Tommy Recovery Coaching

Understanding Drinking Interventions: Types, Approaches, & Effectiveness

After 25 seasons, Intervention has become the second-longest-running series on the American cable television channel A&E. The first season of the reality series was released in 2005. It was widely praised for not focusing solely on drinking and substance abuse, but the majority of the episodes—and the most dramatic—have featured alcoholics. Drinking interventions are seldom as confrontational or painful as the ones in the A&E series. Although they share a common goal of providing support to individuals struggling with alcoholism, there are different approaches and methods.

Collaborative Interventions

This method is the most commonly seen in the Intervention series, and it may include a direct approach. The collaboration may involve loved ones or social workers who consult a therapist on the development of a plan to support individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Family therapy can be a powerful tool when this type of intervention is staged, but there must be a commitment made by loved ones to contribute practical support—for example, taking care of your household affairs if you need to go through detoxification or inpatient rehabilitation.

Motivational Interventions

Here’s a more frequent intervention often conducted by a sober coach. Encinitas sober coaches may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). By applying CBT interviewing techniques, therapists can guide patients through the thought processes that explain their reasons for change. The objective is to channel individual motivation so negative thought patterns and behaviors can be adjusted. Understanding what’s truly important to you is how therapists help you realize the beauty of sobriety.

Supportive Interventions

These are common situations in the world of Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups based on 12-step programs. Supportive interventions begin when AUD patients are curious about AA and similar programs. If you walk into an AA meeting by yourself, the support will be provided by the group members in a safe space. If someone refers you to a meeting, the referral becomes a “soft intervention” that’s nonetheless supportive.

Preventive Interventions

The problem with substance abuse, particularly AUD, is the high potential risk of chemical dependency. Preventive interventions aim to prevent AUD behaviors such as binge drinking before they become more problematic. To a certain extent, people who express interest in the sober lifestyle movement don’t realize they’re conducting preventive self-interventions. Some juvenile court programs in California feature a combination of collaborative and preventive interventions.

How Drinking Interventions Are Conducted

Most AUD patients seek recovery without intervention. The dramatic interventions in the A&E series are conducted by certified or licensed therapists who can be counselors, social workers, sober lifestyle coaches, and other mental health professionals. A direct approach is avoided whenever possible, especially with collaborative interventions, because it might spark confrontation and make things worse. According to research studies reviewed by the American Psychological Association, patients who enter rehab after motivational interventions have better chances of a smoother recovery. 

At Sober Lifestyle Coaching, our trained interventionists help groups of family members, friends, or coworkers confront the addicts they love as they motivate them to seek treatment. Guided by love and compassion for the addicts to ensure they don’t feel attacked or judged, our interventions are structured in a way that’s designed to coax them to be willing to change, even if they’re resistant to accepting help such as treatment, detox, or rehab. If they need the services of an interventionist, Encinitas residents should call us today.