How does Family Outreach become involved?

• To be known as readily available volunteers.
  
• A phone call from family member, friend or pastor.
  
• Via follow-up calls to arrange an initial meeting with significant others and Family Outreach Ontario Christian Addiction Support Services volunteers.

Why do we structure the Intervention?  

• Why not one on one?  Why not low-key?  There is strength in a group.
• Usually the family has tried everything but nothing works. (fighting, crying, threatening, promises made and broken, blaming, adjusting)
  
• Urgency to take action. The disease is progressive, it is often a matter of life and death.
  
• Waiting for the person to hit bottom is more destructive, rather we try to raise the bottom (so that he/she will see the ditch or "bottom.")

Where do we conduct an Intervention?

• The ideal setting ... counselor’s office.
  
• At the home of a friend.
  
• At the home of the addict.
  
• Whatever works best!

When is the best time?

• The best likelihood that the person is most sober.
  
• After admittance to a Treatment Centre and Withdrawal Management Centre is scheduled.
  
• The group is ready.
  

How is the Intervention conducted?

• A trained facilitator leads the final meeting.
  
• FOOCASS volunteers help guide the planning process. (Several meetings)
  
• Plenty of preparation by the team ... involves listening and learning.
  
• Letters are written, rehearsed and modified.
  

What preparation is needed?

• Conquering the reluctance of potential team members (family members, friends, pastors etc) through educating.
  • 12 Step Support Groups
    
    • Spouse (Alanon), Children (Alateen)
      
  • Video on How to conduct an Intervention
    
  • Reading Materials
    
    • Books and booklets
• Secretive/Betrayal Issues
  • Understanding the dynamics of addiction in the family
    
  • Learning about Codependency
    
  • Learning about loving detachment       
• Gathering the data
• Post Intervention Plan
  • Alcohol and Drug Assessment Services
    
  • Withdrawal Management Centre (Detoxification)
    
  • Treatment Centre Options
    
  • AA or NA (Twelve Step Program)
• Rehearsing the Intervention