Family interventions can be a valuable tool in guiding your loved one toward an addiction recovery program. Both the ARISE and Johnson models are distinct approaches to family intervention. Comparing these two models, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to see if one of these is a fit for your situation.
The Johnson Model
The Johnson Model of intervention brings members of the client’s social circle together to confront him or her about how their addiction and how it’s harming the lives of those around him. Created by Dr. Vernon Johnson, this method focuses on a surprise intervention, aiming to break through resistance.
Steps in the Johnson intervention method:
- Preparation: Family members work with an interventionist to plan the intervention and rehearse key messages.
- Intervention Meeting: Family members confront the person, describing specific behaviors and consequences if treatment is refused.
- Treatment Offer: Immediate arrangement for treatment to capitalize on the emotional impact of the intervention.
- Guided by a therapist or trained leader, the family and friends present specific examples of how his addiction has impacted them. They then give him an ultimatum to enter treatment or face certain boundaries.
Pros of the Johnson Model
The intervention often leads to immediate entry into treatment, which can be critical in crisis situations. Family members are given clear boundaries to uphold with the addicted loved one. This method is particularly effective when the client has reached a crisis level, and if a move is not taken quickly, he can recognize he will be in even more danger. This model is more effective for an emergency situation because the intervention specialist moves quickly, within a matter of days.
Cons of the Johnson Model
This confrontational approach may make the client feel betrayed by loved ones, especially if she feels blindsided and backlash behaviors can result. The intense emotional experience can sometimes strain family relationships. He may be at higher risk of abandoning treatment shortly after entering, due to perceived coercion or resentment.
Though there is a high relapse rate with this model, the treatment is very effective at retaining clients, whether they relapse or not. Still, compared with some other programs, researchers found a success rate of around 30% with this method. That low percentage number could be due to the forceful nature of the program or due to the urgency of the client’s situation.
The ARISE method of intervention
The ARISE method, stands for A Relational Intervention Sequence for Engagement, is a more compassionate, gradual and family-oriented approach, created by Dr. Judith Landau. This method is for families that have a loved one who is not in immediate crisis mode. In contrast to the surprise style intervention of the Johnson Method, ARISE is a more collaborative effort among family and friends to encourage voluntary participation in treatment.
Steps in the ARISE intervention method:
- Level 1 – The family has phone calls with a specialist and has family planning sessions (The support network is formed).
- Level 2 – The support network meets, possibly with an intervention specialist.
- Level 3 – The intervention specialist schedules a formal intervention (if needed).
- During the early stages, the family calls their loved one’s friends to form a group focused on addressing his substance use. They begin weekly support meetings and set treatment goals together. The ARISE specialist works with the family in coaching and collaboration to create an individual plan in order to help the loved one become self-invested in his treatment.
Pros of the ARISE method
It emphasizes open dialogue and reduces the likelihood of defensiveness. There is no secrecy between the client and the intervention network. This program includes the entire family in the recovery process, helping everyone feel heard and involved.
Research by Landau, et. al. indicates a higher likelihood of long-term engagement in treatment with an 83% success rate, using this family inclusive method.
Cons of the ARISE method
It can take weeks or even months of gradual intervention steps before treatment begins. Also, if there is not a supportive network of family and friends to participate, this method may not work effectively.
Choosing the best intervention method for the family.
In choosing an intervention approach, families need to first determine the urgency of their situation. If their loved one is in a high stakes, or crisis state, the Johnson Method may be the best first step. However, if things are somewhat stable, and the family is able to take extra time, the ARISE program may be a better long-term solution.
Family interventions can be controversial, however when done correctly and compassionately, we’ve found them to be a effective way of getting a loved one the care he or she needs.
To help evaluate this need and to find the best program for your loved one, schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.
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