TIPS FROM AN INTERVENTIONIST Joani Gammill RN BRI

TIPS FROM AN INTERVENTIONIST Joani Gammill, RN, BRI I

What is an intervention?

What is an Intervention? It is not a party, but yes a surprise ( an opportunity) with the Vernon Johnson method. Having food/coffee is a good idea…patient needs time to think things through. You don’t yell or get in their face…calmly express consequences or boundaries if they refuse treatment. Frame it around what the family needs.

Where did this intervention go wrong?

A Better Approach Start with positive physical contact…hugs! Sit the patient between two trusted people. Block exits. Never start letter reading with spouse/significant other. Do not insult the person, start letters with love and memories. . get to emotional core. NEVER mention a man’s sexual functioning!!! No need to talk about sex at all…too sensitive.

A Better Approach Always write the letter, no free for all. . fall apart No cross-talk…argument WILL happen…patient is deflecting usually Bring security if patient/family has history of violence.

Interventions Require Voluntary Commitment

Interventions Require Voluntary Commitment Again must be voluntary admission to alcohol and drug rehabs…. it is an admission not a deposit! A second party cannot sign you in. If a patient is out of control and a harm to himself or others get a 72 hour hold and then approach for the intervention. Power of attorney for involuntary admit, but not for admission to most rehabs. . usually psy.

Get the Family Involved

Get the Family Involved

Get the Family Involved

Get the Family Involved Got to get the family involved if patient is to get well! Denial runs just as deep in some of them. I start this process right away in the preintervention meeting the night before the intervention Have materials to hand out about family programs, including children’s programs and Alanon.

Once they Agree to go, Stop Negotiating

Once they Agree to go, Stop Negotiating Do not negotiate for a later date to enter treatment…patient will back out.

Don’t let them Travel with Drugs

Don’t let them Travel with Drugs Never let the patient travel with their own drugs…they WILL use them in the bathroom.

General tips I have learned on the job The more resistant a patient is to going to treatment the sicker their brains are. Carry alcohol, shortie wine and shortie hard liquor. Alcoholics can get sick fast. Never do an Intervention in the middle of cocaine binge unless you are prepared to die! Get 72 hour hold if patient is too unstable to approach. Always err on the side of caution. If you’ve got a bad feeling, go to the emergency room.

General tips I have learned on the job Get a thorough history from the family about the patient. Try not to rush intervention, pre-intervention meeting very helpful. . find more things out about patient. Sensible shoes, you might have to run after or away from patient! Leave cell phone behind, unless you want patient’s best friend beat you to rehab. Texting!

General tips I have learned on the job Always treat the patient with respect and impart the knowledge that this is the luckiest day of their lives. Like Father Martin used to tell me, “Your hell is finally over, ” as he hugged you. Use humor!! Take a little dog with you. Keeps the kids from yelling at their parents and calms old ladies.

THANK YOU! Joani Gammill, RN, BRI I joani@interventionrn. com (443) 926 -4519 Twitter: @Intervention. RN Facebook: http: //www. facebook. com/joani. gammill