I. Identifying the Problem and Deciding to Take Action
For Parents:
Are you a parent with a teenage son or daughter who you suspect has a drug or alcohol problem? You don’t have to wait as the problem gets more and more out of control. You can take charge of the situation now before the problem gets any worse. ARISE supports your being the parent, respects the growing autonomy of the adolescent, and works towards healthy independence in the leaving home process.
Are you concerned about an adult son or daughter, whose personality has changed and is passing off responsibilities to you related to money, parenting a grandchild, family problems and legal issues? Have you been concerned these changes are drug or alcohol related? You can effectively intervene in the problem while strengthening the love and caring you want to maintain in the relationship.
For Spouses and Partners:
You may be the first one to know about the drug or alcohol problem because of what you live with day to day. Your partner does not have to “hit bottom” in order to get help. You don’t have to deal with this problem in isolation anymore. We know that, one-on-one, the substance abuser will always win through some manipulation. The ARISE method allows you to turn your love and concern into action by getting treatment started at the earliest possible point, while preserving the relationship you are committed to.
For Siblings:
Have you noticed a brother or sister who has distanced him/herself from you and become secretive? Have you become fed-up with aggressive behavior and accusations after your brother or sister has had “one too many”? There is a loving and gentle way to approach this problem and get treatment started.
For Concerned Others:
It makes no difference whether you are a co-worker, friend, neighbor or member of the same congregation. Anyone can get the treatment process started when he/she is aware of a drinking or drug problem. You may feel this is none of your business, but just think how you would feel if your friend or colleague lost his/her job, family, health or injured someone due to their drinking or drug use. Now you have a way to bring together those “Concerned Others” and discuss the problem in an open and caring manner. You can respect the privacy of the person you are worried about while at the same time help the person to address the problem.
When a Relapse has Occurred:
Addiction is a chronic disease and is prone to relapse. Many times family and friends feel helpless when a relapse occurs with a loved one who has been in recovery. Now there is a way to address the relapse at the earliest possible point and get recovery back on track. The shorter the relapse the higher the likelihood of successful return to recovery. Often the person who has relapsed needs family and friends to provide the impetus for recovery because of the shame and guilt he/she is feeling. ARISE is based on working with strengths and building relationship supports that continue into recovery.
II. Overview of ARISE Method
We know that family members and friends affect the course of the substance abuse problem. Often labels such as, co-dependent, rescuer, caretaker and enabler, are used to describe how a family member or friend unwittingly fosters the progression of the substance abuse problem through ineffective, but well intentioned “help”. If a family member or friend can negatively affect the substance abuse problem, we believe this same person can also positively affect the problem if guided with solid direction and information. This guidance comes from a Certified ARISE Interventionist who is trained and supervised in the method.
A Relational Intervention Sequence for Engagement (ARISE) is a 3 Stage method designed to match the level of effort used by the intervention network to the resistance of the substance abuser in order to motivate treatment engagement. Stage 1 uses motivational protocols designed specifically for telephone coaching. We help you establish a realistic basis of hope, identify whom to invite to the intervention network meeting, design a strategy to mobilize the group, and teach techniques to successfully invite the addicted person to the first intervention network meeting. Our research shows that over 50% of the time the substance abuser comes to this first meeting when it is set up in accordance with the established guidelines.
Stage 2 follows, if treatment entry does not occur from the initial efforts. Typically, between two to five face to face sessions are held, with or without the substance abuser present, to mobilize the intervention network in developing motivational strategies to reach the substance abuser with the goal of treatment engagement. Most substance abusers engage in treatment by the end of Stage 2.
In Stage 3, family and friends set limits, expectations and consequences for the substance abuser in a loving and supportive way. By the time the intervention network gets to this point, the substance abuser has been given many opportunities to enter treatment and has either refused or failed at the level of care that has been tried. Because the substance abuser has been invited to each of the intervention network meetings, this final limit setting approach is a natural consequence and does not "come out of the blue" or "as a surprise".
The 3 Stage model is designed as a respectful way of approaching the substance abuser and setting up a win-win situation where both the family members and the substance abuser get well. Particular attention is paid to protecting and enhancing the long term nature of the family relationships, while at the same time removing the addiction from controlling the family.
It all starts with that first phone call to 303-442-3755.