It is not necessary to wait until a person hits “rock bottom” before intervention can take place.   Intervention can be defined as “presenting reality to a person out of touch with it in a receivable way”. By “presenting reality” we present SPECIFIC FACTS about the person’s behaviour and the things that have happened because of it.   A “receivable way” is presenting the facts in such a way that the person cannot resist because it is objective, non-judgmental, clearly defined and caring. You may need to start by convincing yourself that invention is the best approach and the best time to begin the process is now. It is normal to approach intervention with reluctance or even fear. You may worry that it will only make things worse or feel that nothing will help.  Don’t despair, those feelings are perfectly normal.  But the longer you delay the process, the longer the person will suffer and the more life-threatening the disease will become.   It is not rude to help a sick person; it is not cruel to save someone’s life.  In fact, intervention is a profound act of caring.

The Intervention Team

The team should consist of at least 2 or more people who are close to the person requiring help.  A group carries the necessary weight to break through to reality.   As the old saying goes, “He will laugh if one person tells him he has a tail, but if three people tell him, he may turn around to look!” I prefer at least 4 in a team plus the chairperson.   It is preferable if the chairperson is someone who is not associated with the sufferer and can conduct the intervention in an orderly manner.   Make a list of meaningful people who are close to the sufferer, i.e., close brothers, sisters, spouse, employer and a close friend.    An employer is an important member of the intervention team if they have a caring relationship for the victim.

Gathering the Information

Each person in the team is to make a list of specific incidents related to the victim’s drinking that have caused them concern or trauma. List each incident in point system so that they don’t get lost when they are addressing the victim with the facts about their drinking behaviour. Here is an example of how a list should look: •    On Saturday, you left to collect ................. and didn’t come home until Sunday. •    Do you remember falling in the shower? •    Last month you charged $300 worth of liquor on our credit card... •    The neighbours saw you lying in the gutter early on Sunday morning and had to call ........ for help. •    The fighting............................. •    The behaviour............................................. •    The gambling............................... •    You even hit ..................and made their mouth bleed - don’t you remember? The above list is only an example.    Each incident should be described in unsparing detail, the more incidents that each group member can list, the better. A photo of the victim lying in a “soggy state” can also have an impact on securing help for the victim.   Even better if you can record their drunken behaviour.  Nothing has quite as much shock value and is harder to deny - than a full colour, video of the victim weaving around, swearing and slurring their words and generally behaving inappropriately.

Obtain appropriate rehabilitation methods

It is preferable to have a list ready to quote to the victim of rehabilitation programs he can attend - not next month, not next week, but NOW.     Obtain copies of brochures or publications from all the programs that are available. Do an internet search to help you get the right rehabilitation program.  You are not ready to do the intervention until you have this information available.

Rehearsing the intervention

It is recommended that you conduct at least two rehearsals or practice sessions prior to the actual intervention.   These rehearsals should be attended by everyone who will be at the intervention with the exception of the victim (of course). The chairperson needs to go over each person’s list that they have prepared and assist them in expressing their concern without becoming too emotional. Each team member should read their lists aloud, one item at a time and each item should be either approved by the team or revised as necessary.  Remember the items should be specific and totally honest. During rehearsals, the chairperson will take the place of the victim and interject as often and as vulgarly as the victim will interject and defend themselves.   This is the idea of rehearsals - to be ready for behaviour problems and a strong defence mechanism from the victim.   Don’t fear this section of the intervention as it will probably save the victim’s life. Determine the order in which the team members will read their lists during the intervention. Finalise the details - leaving nothing to chance.  Where will you hold the intervention - when will be the most appropriate time - make sure everyone is contactable at short notice. There are quite a number of other issues that will crop up during the rehearsal time and can be dealt with then. As well as 100% vigilance waiting for the right moment to implement an intervention, you need to take care of your nutrition and dietary supplements. I would be a good idea to gather as much information as you can about the effective use of Tyrosine, an amino acid, used to help wean the alcoholic off alcohol.  I recommend Tyrosine Mood Food, necessary for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood. Tyrosine is required for the manufacture of adrenalin in the adrenal glands and most alcoholics suffer with adrenal exhaustion. The state of a person’s liver has a big impact on a person’s state of mind so that those with a fatty liver may find themselves irritable and moody with a poor memory and difficulty keeping up with life’s demands. Depression and poor sleep may be associated with a fatty liver and these things resolve when we improve the liver function.  I recommend Livatone Plus, a more powerful formula that can support liver function when there are more serious liver problems due to alcoholism. L-Glutamine is an amino acid and has been shown to improve brain function in alcoholics, resulting in improved sleep, decreased anxiety and a reduced craving for alcohol. Glutamine can be found in our Ultimate Gut Health Powder. Vegetable juice has been successfully used to clear out fatty livers too. Juicing, along with the above supplements, B-vitamins and Vitamin C, may be a real long-term help with cirrhosis of the liver. Dr. Cabot has a great juice book that’s easy to follow and has recipes to help rejuvenate your liver, Raw Juices Can Save Your Life. Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”.   The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.