In order to build a strong group of individuals who can effectively confront the drug abuser as a unilateral front, the interventionist must be able to identify and challenge co-dependency where it appears. However, the intervention is not a counseling session, and the interventionist must stay focused on maintaining forward momentum toward the goal of building a cohesive group if the intervention is to be completed successfully. The intervention is the beginning, not the end. Feelings of guilt, anger and betrayal can emerge as recovery begins, and the significant individuals must be helped to work through these dynamics. Post-intervention strategy is a critical element of intervention planning.
All interventions are successful.
Regardless of whether the substance abuser goes into treatment immediately or not, the members of the intervention team have developed an awareness of the disease and options for getting on with their own lives. The interventionist and the team must stay connected and keep the squeeze on for as long as it takes for the enabling to end or for the abuser to seek help. Additionally, confidentiality issues must be reviewed and dealt with from the beginning to give the substance abuser and those involved in the intervention assurance that what they disclose won't be repeated. In conclusion, the intervention can be used as a wedge between the substance abuser and their drug of choice. Recently a lawyer in recovery from alcoholism said that some people believe that if you don't do anything about a lawyer's drinking or drug problem, the problem will eventually go away.