NCADD Launches National Intervention Network

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Thursday, 1 February 1996

Family, friends and co-workers of people who have a drinking or drug problem can have new hope in their desire to save a loved one from a self-destructive and life threatening disease on February 1, 1996 when the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) launches a National Intervention Network.

"Our new intervention service means that you don't have to wait until someone `hits bottom' before you can help them get into treatment for alcoholism or other drug addictions," said Paul Wood, PhD, president of NCADD. "By educating the public through our national Affiliate network about how to use this powerful technique most effectively, we intend to accomplish with intervention what the American Red Cross has done with cardio pulmonary resuscitation."

As part of the National Intervention Network, certified NCADD Affiliates offer an introductory educational program with a variety of materials, including a workbook and video programs to help clients understand what makes a person drink too much or use drugs, and why it may be so difficult for that person to stop. Once this phase has been completed, trained staff can help clients plan, rehearse and conduct an intervention so that it has the best chance of working.

In an intervention, family members, friends and co-workers as a group along with a certified Affiliate staff member present reality to a person who is drinking too much and/or using too many drugs. They do this in such a caring manner that the person may finally be able to acknowledge he or she has a problem. Instead of making excuses, blaming each other, or covering up for the person with the problem, intervention provides an opportunity for the group to present clear, factual information showing how the person's drinking or drug use affects each of them.

With expert staff specially trained by NCADD and the Johnson Institute, a pioneer in the field, certified NCADD Affiliates can guide clients through each step of the intervention process. They also will be able to facilitate interventions for people who live outside their geographical area. To be certified, NCADD Affiliates must participate in a three-day intensive training program, and abide by a code of ethics and specific protocols.

For more information, or to contact National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, see their website at: www.ncadd.org