Intervention By Vernon E. Johnson
Why Anyone Considering an Intervention Should Read this Book
Book review of Vernon E. Johnson D.D.'s Intervention:A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Friends of Chemically Dependent Persons
Author’s Credentials: Dr. Vernon E. Johnson is a co-founder of the Johnson Institute, which has spent over forty years dedicated to chemical dependence recovery.
Intended Audience: This book is written for the average person who is seeking more information on chemical dependency and intervention. It is written in intelligent yet understandable language.
What Can You Expect to Get Out of It? Readers will come away with two types of knowledge. First, they will become well educated on the basics of chemical dependency and its effects; Second, they will be taught Johnson’s method of intervention in a step-by step, detailed format.
Overview:
This small yet extremely informative book is written for concerned family members and friends of alcoholics and addicts who want to learn more about the intervention process, and includes detailed instructions and advice on how to conduct and intervention. It is wisely divided in two parts: the first educates the reader on the disease of addiction (including alcoholism), while the second focuses on the intervention processs.
Summary:
Part I: “Learning About Chemical Dependency” This first half of the text teaches the reader about the disease of addiction, the addict, and his./her friends’ & family’s role in it. Here the reader learns that chemical dependency can and is defined as a disease, and that it is primary, progressive, chronic, and fatal – yet also treatable. The first chapter also contains a list of signs that may help determine if a friend or acquaintance is chemically dependent. The following chapter explains the chemically dependent person’s emotional relationship with their drug of choice, as well as how their addiction affects those around them. In Chapter 3, Johnson introduces the topics of blackouts, repression, and euphoric recall, describing them as part of the faulty memory system of the chemically dependant person. He goes on to describe how those involved with the addict become an active part of this system, and the common roles that are taken on. The section closes with suggestions of what the reader may start doing now, even if they are not ready to intervene at this time.
Part II: “Intervening With Chemical Dependency” This section deals with the practical aspects of the intervention, from preparation through the actual intervention itself. Chapter 4 is dedicated to getting ready both mentally and with information – by becoming fully commited to the intervention as wells as gathering a team and all of the necessary data. The author walks the reader through each step of the process carefully, such as finding treatment options and rehearsing. The final chapter covers a possible intervention scenario, and closes with a reminder that no matter what the outcome, all friends and family members affected by someone else’s substance abuse should seek help for themselves.
The Technical Stuff:
Title: Intervention: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Friends of Chemically Dependent Persons
Author: Vernon E. Johnson, D.D.
Copyright: 1986 Hazelden Foundation, Published 1998.
Still Curious? Check it out Intervention at Hazelden.org
