Decision Making in the Intervention Process

Abstract

Because of the particular defensive dynamics of alcoholism, thc intervention of others is often important in motivating alcoholic persons to seek treatment. However, intervention is often confused with coercion, and publicized as threatening the alcoholic person into submission to someone else's wishes. In fact, intervention is a proccss addressed to change in a system of interrelationships. The power of its influence on the drinker derives from the structured clarification of the effects of the drinking on persons or groups other than the drinker him/her self. The rights to these others to speak for, and protect themselves are central to the formulation of the new data to be presented in a meeting with the alcoholic individual. S/he is then invited to join the others in their concern about what is happening to all of them. The intervention process clarifies choices for everyone, and then leaves to the alcoholic person the decision as to whether to opt for treatment or continued drinking.