In 2021, over 46 million Americans aged 12 and older will have developed a substance use disorder—and the number only continues to grow.
Crisis intervention is a critical component of substance abuse treatment, as many individuals who struggle with addiction often experience crises that require immediate attention.
Crisis intervention is a brief, focused, and time-limited intervention that aims to address an individual’s immediate needs during a crisis. It is often used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, workplaces, and community mental health centers.
Crisis intervention is particularly helpful for individuals experiencing a substance use disorder crisis, which can include drug or alcohol overdose, withdrawal symptoms, or other serious health complications related to substance use.
When an individual is experiencing a substance use disorder crisis, it is essential to provide immediate support and assistance to prevent further harm.
Crisis intervention can help individuals with substance use disorders in several ways:
Crisis intervention provides immediate support to individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder crisis. This can include medical attention, psychological support, and assistance in accessing substance abuse treatment.
Crisis intervention can help alleviate distress and reduce the risk of further harm. Addressing the immediate needs of individuals who are experiencing a crisis reduces stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
Crisis intervention aims to prevent further harm for individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder crisis. This can include preventing overdoses, managing withdrawal symptoms, and providing resources for ongoing treatment.
Crisis intervention can also help individuals with substance use disorders connect with treatment. By providing immediate support and assistance, crisis interventionists can help individuals recognize the extent of their problem and the need for treatment.
Interventionists can also help individuals access appropriate treatment programs, such as detoxification, rehabilitation, or counseling.
Many individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders may feel ashamed or stigmatized by their condition. Crisis intervention can help reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders by providing support and understanding.
Interventionists can help individuals feel accepted and valued, which can increase their motivation to seek treatment.
Crisis intervention can also improve long-term outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. Providing immediate support and assistance helps individuals avoid further harm and connect with appropriate treatment. This increases the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes and long-term recovery.
There are several types of crisis interventions that are commonly used in substance abuse treatment. These include:
PFA is a type of crisis intervention that is designed to provide immediate emotional and psychological support to individuals who are experiencing a crisis. It is often used in the immediate aftermath of a crisis to help individuals cope with the emotional impact of the event.
Brief intervention is a type of crisis intervention designed to address a specific behavior or issue related to substance use. It is typically conducted over a short period and aims to provide education, motivation, and support to help individuals reduce their substance use.
MI is a type of crisis intervention designed to help individuals overcome their ambivalence about change. It is often used to help individuals who are resistant to substance abuse treatment. It also aims to motivate individuals to change their behavior by helping them identify their goals and values.
Crisis counseling is a type of crisis intervention designed to provide ongoing support to individuals experiencing a crisis. It is often provided in individual or group settings and aims to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of a crisis.
There are several levels of crisis intervention for substance abuse that are designed to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with addiction. These interventions include the equilibrium model, cognitive model stage of treatment, and psychosocial transition model.
The equilibrium model is a short-term crisis intervention approach that aims to stabilize an individual in crisis and restore them to their previous state of functioning. The steps involved in this model are as follows:
Assessment: The first step in the equilibrium model is to assess the individual in crisis to determine the severity of the situation. This may include a physical examination, a review of their medical history, and an evaluation of their substance use.
Stabilization: Once the assessment is complete, the individual is provided with immediate medical care and treatment to stabilize their condition. This may include medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, therapy to address the underlying issues that led to the substance abuse and support to help the individual cope with their addiction.
Follow-up: After the individual has stabilized, they may be referred to additional treatment or support services as needed. Follow-up appointments may also be scheduled to monitor their progress and provide ongoing support.
The cognitive model stage of treatment is a long-term approach that aims to change an individual’s thoughts and behaviors related to substance abuse. The steps involved in this model are as follows:
Assessment: The first step in the cognitive model stage of treatment is to assess the individual’s thoughts and beliefs related to substance abuse. This may involve a review of their history of substance use, their reasons for using drugs or alcohol, and their perceptions of the consequences of substance abuse.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Once these thoughts and beliefs are identified, the individual is provided with cognitive-behavioral therapy to help them challenge and change their thoughts and behaviors related to substance abuse. This may include identifying triggers that lead to substance use and developing coping skills to manage those triggers.
Support: The cognitive model stage of treatment also involves support from family members and peers. This support may include group therapy, individual counseling, and family therapy. The goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages the individual to change their behavior and maintain their sobriety.
A psychosocial transition model is a long-term approach that focuses on helping an individual transition from substance abuse to a drug-free lifestyle. The steps involved in this model are as follows:
Assessment: The first step in the psychosocial transition model is to assess the individual’s needs and develop a treatment plan. This plan may include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups.
Addressing social and environmental factors: The psychosocial transition model also involves addressing the individual’s social and environmental factors that contribute to their substance abuse. This may include addressing their relationships, employment, and living situation.
Maintenance: The final step in the psychosocial transition model is maintenance. This involves ongoing support and monitoring to help the individual maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse. This may include regular check-ins with a counselor, attendance at support group meetings, and involvement in healthy activities.
A professional interventionist is a trained and experienced professional who specializes in helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The role of an interventionist is to facilitate an intervention, which is a structured and planned process that is designed to help the individual recognize the extent of their problem and the need for treatment.
During an intervention, the interventionist will work with the individual’s family and friends to develop a plan that addresses their needs and concerns. The interventionist will also help the individual access the help they need, whether it is through inpatient or outpatient treatment, counseling, or other forms of support. The major steps involved in an intervention are as follows:
The first step in the role of an interventionist is to assess the individual in crisis. The interventionist will evaluate the severity of the substance abuse and determine the best course of action to help the individual. This may involve reviewing medical records, conducting interviews with family members and loved ones, and observing the individual’s behavior.
Once the assessment is complete, the interventionist will work with the individual’s loved ones to create a plan for the intervention. This may include identifying a treatment program, arranging transportation, and scheduling appointments with medical professionals. The interventionist will also prepare the loved ones for the intervention and provide them with guidance on how to communicate effectively with the individual.
The interventionist plays a vital role in providing guidance, support, and encouragement to the individual in need and their loved ones throughout the process, leading to a successful outcome. They guide the loved ones through the process of communicating their concerns to the individual in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. They will provide guidance on how to avoid confrontation and how to focus on the positive changes that can be made with treatment.
Following the intervention, the interventionist will continue to provide support and guidance to the individual and their loved ones. They may offer counseling or therapy sessions to help the individual work through their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The interventionist may also provide support to the loved ones, helping them navigate the challenges of supporting someone in recovery.
The role of an interventionist doesn’t end once the intervention is complete. They will continue to provide ongoing care to the individual, helping them to maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse. This may include follow-up appointments, counseling sessions, and support groups.
Working with a professional interventionist can provide many benefits for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. Some of the key benefits include:
Professional interventionists have specialized training and experience in helping individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. They understand the complexities of addiction and the challenges that individuals face when seeking treatment.
Professional interventionists can provide an objective perspective on the situation. They can help the family and friends of the individual develop a plan that is in the best interest of the individual and addresses their needs and concerns.
Professional interventionists can provide guidance and support throughout the intervention process. They can help the family and friends of the individual navigate the complex and emotional process of intervention.
Working with a professional interventionist can increase the likelihood of success. Interventionists have a proven track record of helping individuals recognize the extent of their problem and access the help they need.
Key skills and qualifications to look out for in a crisis intervention specialist are as follows:
Crisis intervention is a critical component of substance abuse treatment. Providing immediate and effective support can help individuals with substance use disorders recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Interventions can seem overwhelming, but with the right help and support, they can be a powerful tool for moving your loved one in the right direction. Family Interventions specializes in helping families address drug and alcohol addictions. Contact Family Interventions now to schedule a crisis intervention with our experienced team.
Our proven methods can help your loved one get on the path to recovery and regain control of their life. Take the first step towards a brighter future and call us today. It starts with a simple step—reach out to us at (866) 584-2525 or get in touch online today.
Join forces with our intervention specialists to break the cycle of self-destructive behavior if your loved one has an addiction. Addition Interventions is licensed by the State of California and provides interventions nationwide.
© 2025. Family Interventions. All Rights Reserved