An intervention is a way of getting a loved one the help he or she needs - before it's too late - on account of a worsening drug addiction or alcoholism problem. Through an intervention, you bring a substance user back to light and a path towards recovery. The objective is to help a loved one take concrete steps to address his or her problem and go through processes of evaluation, counseling, and other treatments.

Interventions can either be informal or formal. An informal intervention refers to any personal discussion with the person needing help wherein you may ask a few questions. On the other hand, in a formal intervention, the conversation is well planned and prepared and structured questions will be asked. This also involves group discussions with other people who care about the substance abuser. Formal interventions usually apply in more serious cases.

Any caring family member or friend of the substance abuser can organize an intervention process. However, in most cases, an Interventionist is required to assure that a comprehensive, effective, and tested system will be in place. The Interventionist will be in a lot better position to judge on the substance abuser's physical and psychological condition on account of professional experience and objectivity.

An intervention is seen as an initiation of the treatment process, a stage of wherein all the facts surrounding the problem will be identified before proceeding to proper treatment.

Everyone must keep in mind the rationale of the intervention and how it is properly done. A substance abuser is not in the same reality as you and me. They do not see the world as it is. Hence, the purpose of the intervention is to bring the person back to reality, to accept the fact of his or her problem, and to seek proper help.