The Case of Jeff - Essay Example

The Case of Jeff General Plan of Action: Session As a hired interventionist, I will set up a preliminary meeting with Jeff’s parents and his wife, the people whom Jeff has an affinity with and who want to participate in the intervention. In the meeting, everyone will be oriented about the concept of the intervention process and recovery. They will be assured that all of the details about the intervention will be kept within the consultation folder. The purpose of the first session is to determine whether or not a person should participate based on correct knowledge of the intervention and the intervention process.

It will be made known to them that it is not the fault of the person per se. Joseph’s parents and his wife will be made to understand that they don’t simply rely on the person to change. Instead, they must realize that their beloved one who became an addict needs help in overcoming their addiction. The participants will be tasked to write a letter that will be brought and read at the intervention. The letter will be composed of their affectionate feelings for the addict and their desire to help him overcome the disease.

In the letters, love should be expressed. However, the wife and parents should express to Jeff what they will do if he does not accept help. The consequences given in the letters should be what the wife or parents are willing to do. For example, the parents can refuse to let him come home, or financially support him. The wife can write she will divorce him. The most import aspect of this part of their letters is the willingness of the parents and wife to follow through on the consequences they lay down.

In the actual intervention process, I will tell Jeff of his employer’s decision to continue his job if changes his behavior. All these are designed to make Jeff realize that he really has a problem concerning drinking and gambling. Session 2 The second session is the basically the “practice session”. This is where all the specifics of the intervention- time, place, what to expect and how to respond- will be reviewed by me and the participants. All these will be designed in such a manner that Jeff will be persuaded to enter the treatment facility.

The finalization of the treatment program is also done in this session. I will give them a list of recommended treatment centers. All questions associated with choosing a good treatment program is answered. It is important that the treatment program be in place before the intervention takes place because any lag time between intervention and entering a program will result to a lower effectiveness of the intervention process. Actual Intervention Session 3 The rehearsed intervention is applied with Jeff.

If Jeff agrees to go to a treatment facility, I will personally and immediately assist Jeff to the treatment facility. However if Jeff does not want to go, he cannot legally be forced to go, unless he is threatening to harm himself or others. If an addict does not want to change their habits, they will only relapse into their old ways if forced into treatment. The parents and wife should be counseled to follow through with the consequences in their letters. If they let the addict to continue their behavior without implementing these consequences, they will enable the addict continue his addiction.

Concepts An intervention must come from the people who care enough to confront him/her about the problem. These people are those whom the addict respects and cares about. They are the ones closest to him and have been with him for the longest time. Who else, therefore, can be the most effective interventionist than the family? The thinking goes this way: ‘Wherever you go and whatever you do, no matter how far and no matter how hopeless, you are still part of the family and as such we will value you and care for you’.

It might be argued that there are some cases when the family members neglect the behavior and adapts an ‘it’s your life, you choose how to live it’. Nonetheless, it is still undeniable that the family is the most preferable choice for the intervention. Although this is true, there is another compelling reason why families are the best instrument for intervention. The family is the one most affected by the addicted behavior of its member and as such they are the ones who are most likely eager to provide some sanity to the person.

In Jeff’s case, his parents and wife are all willing to intervene to make him turn his back on his addiction. Typically, the family members will try to confront and dissuade the person without the use of professional help. Such a move is typically ineffective because alcoholics and addicts tend to confuse the issues at hand or deny his addiction. A professional interventionist can help tremendously in the intervention process because they know what works and are familiar with the latest techniques for a successful intervention.

Due to their accumulated experiences, they can give anxious or frightened families a clear understanding of what to expect before, during and after the intervention. This orientation of the family members can prove too invaluable since it prepares them for the strong emotions that may come up during the process. (Doweiko, 2006) Clinicians also help families listen to each other much more effectively. A thorough preparation is needed to avoid violent reaction from Jeff which could worsen the situation.

This includes interviews of family members with the interventionist to determine the actual existence of the problem and the reasons behind the participation of the family members. It is also recommended that preparation such as choosing an appropriate time of day when the addict will be most receptive, writing lists of specific events that have affected the family members and role playing such that any behavior that can destroy the process is pointed out and corrected. (Gjesvold, 1997) The addict or alcoholic should not be forewarned about the intervention.

This usually happens when family members cannot bear keeping secrets from their loved ones. The feeling of guilt of overwhelms them and they inform their beloved one that he will be undergoing such an activity. This situation is unacceptable since the dependent can plan his defense and the whole process can be compromised. The clinician should also take into the mind that information about the patient and the family shall not be divulged to other persons such that they are protected from any criticism and gossip of other persons.

(McAuliffe, 1975, p. 76-80) References: Doweiko, H. E. (2006). Concepts of chemical dependency. CA: Thomson. Gjesvold, J. (1997). Intervention: Breaking the Cycle of Chemical Dependency. Register Guard Newspaper, Oregon. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2006 from www.serenitylane.com McAuliffe, R. M., and McAuliffe, M. B. (1975) The Essentials of Chemical Dependency: Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. Minneapolis, Minnesota: The American Chemical Dependency Society: