Love First: a New Approach to Intervention for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
by Jeff Jay and Debra Jay (Hazelden,2000)
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Summary:
Love First is an extremely thorough guide for families and friends who want to intervene on behalf of an alcoholic or otherwise chemically dependent loved one. The authors believe that love for the troubled person should be the central focus of the intervention and should be communicated as such. The book covers multiple topics:
- an overview of alcoholism and other drug addictions, including popular misconceptions and scientific facts concerning the diseases;
- the responses, feelings, and problems the family experiences as a result of the dependency and how to detach from an addict;
- how to prepare for an intervention;
- how to conduct an intervention; and
- what to do after the invention.
This book integrates scientific and psychological facts about alcoholism and other addictions, statistical analysis, real-life examples from the authors' experiences, and advice for everyone concerned in the intervention. The authors include a tools section which details and helps readers think through the various stages of intervention, ensuring they cover all the issues. The tools include:
- signs of alcoholism and drug abuse checklist,
- signs of alcoholism and drug abuse checklist for older persons,
- signs of alcoholism and drug abuse in your teenager,
- list for building an intervention team,
- planner for every detail for the intervention (including the team's information, financial details, treatment center information, addict's background information, etc.)
- checklist for planning a successful intervention,
- examples of enabling behaviors of friends and family members,
- advice for evaluating treatment centers
- answers for possible objections addict may give to treatment during intervention
- examples of ultimatums to give the addict (e.g., refusing to lend money, provide shelter and care, etc.).
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
This book is extremely thorough, clear, and easy-to-read. Friends and family of addicts should feel comforted by the clear direction they will find in this book. It offers them many of the tools they need and provides contact information to those who can lead them further.
