Madison County Council on  Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.

When a friend needs help solving a problem, or is sick, or needs help watching the kids, it is easy to lend a hand. However, when a friend shows signs of the harmful use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, it is hard to know what to say or do. Fortunately, help is available at BRiDGES for the addicted person, and for their friends and family members, through a process called family intervention.

In the family intervention process, family members, friends and co-workers are taught to present the person who is using drugs in harmful ways with clear, factual information about the effect of the person's drinking or use of other drugs. The intervention process varies according to the needs of the family. Typically an intervention involves three or more sessions over a one to three week period, with up to 12 friends and family participating in each session.

During the intervention process the focus is on:

• The addictive behavior
• The enabling behavior of family and friends
• The behaviors that need to be established to break the cycle of addiction
• Developing an action plan to resolve the problems presented

Family interventions are available through BRiDGES. There is a fee involved that varies depending on the type of intervention, number of sessions, the number of participants and the financial situation of the family. If you are interested in family intervention please call the BRiDGES office at (315) 697-3947.