How to start an intervention

What can families do if a loved one is in trouble?

Much much more than they imagine! Brad suggests we do something radical - we lead with love and invite them to a family meeting. Just like that, we have started an intervention. There is strength in numbers, so do some planning and get your ducks in a row before you have the meeting.

Here are the five steps that Brad suggests families take:

1. Take your inventory
   
2. What's the problem? Is my motivation right? Fear and reservations?
   
3. Set Date and Time and Assemble Team
   
4. Make an Invitation and Have the Meeting
   
5. Define a Six Month Change Plan
   

Some common traits of the everyday addict Secrets and lies are often traits that are part of a person's addictive lifestyle. But as many different kinds of people there are, there are that many kinds of addicts. A-type addicts, B-type addicts, Leos & Cancers, Christians & Atheists. Addiction truly respects no boundaries. No one is immune.

Potential signs of trouble/ how you can judge when someone needs an intervention:

• Change in sleeping patterns
  
• Lies
  
• Financial predicaments
  
• Sex life changes
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Money issues
  
• Doctor shopping, many prescriptions
  
• Problems at work
  
• Picking, open sores
  
• Unexplained mood swings
  

The challenge of IF and WHEN we should step in, or step aside, is something most families face. It takes most folks many years to develop consensus or agreement of what the problem really is - and then even longer for them to decide what to do.

If your heart hurts for someone you love, whose life is being negatively affected because of an addiction or behavioral disorder - step in! Invite them to a solution, support and change. You can't go wrong.

Over time, lasting change is something your loved one will either grab onto and embrace or not. But the invitation into change begins now with your invitation, and this process encourages, embraces and inspires change in the life of your loved one struggling with dangerous behavior.

About Brad Lamm:

Brad is a Board-Registered Interventionist. Brad is the founder and President of Intervention Specialists; a family education and crisis intervention group helping families, friends and employers get loved ones to accept help and begin real and lasting change. From the foundation of his work with a variety of intervention models, Brad developed the Invitation2Change Method.

Brad believes that an identified loved ones support group is uniquely poised to offer support, accountability and structure from a beginning point of love and honesty no matter how broken down, discouraged or troubled they feel. Highly motivated and with long-term sobriety himself, Brad's approach is no- nonsense and understandable; blending hope with the dynamic nature of his distinctly hands on work.

Previously a network-affiliate News Anchor, his TV work today centers on crisis intervention and family educational work, introducing folks to making change begin NOW. In addition to working with The Oprah Winfrey show, and as a consultant with HARPO Productions, Brad frequently appears on TV offering his experience and knowledge on the topics of addiction, intervention and change. His Change Seminar introduces the topic of change to groups worldwide. He lives in NYC with his family.

For more information, visit www.bradlamm.com

Buy this book on Amazon: How to Change Someone You Love: Four Steps to Help You Help Them