Johnson Model Intervention
When a loved one struggles with opiate abuse, you desperately want the individual to get help. Thankfully, there are numerous different forms of interventions available for those who struggle with opiate addiction. These interventions range from family system interventions to crisis interventions. However, one of the most basic types of intervention (as well as one of the most effective) is the Johnson Model intervention. The Johnson Model is highly effective in engaging and retaining clients in inpatient treatment. Since initial evaluations, two trends have emerged in the field. First, there has been an increase in the use of outpatient treatment. Second, a number of variations of the Johnson Intervention have been developed.[1]
This particular intervention technique has been used with thousands of addicted individuals (including opiate addicts) and has helped these individuals get the help they need to stop their use. Opiate addicts are often both physically and psychologically dependent on opiates, which make it very difficult for them to even think about ending their use. The Johnson Model Intervention is a proven way to help addicts seek treatment.
What is the Johnson Model Intervention?
The Johnson Model intervention is a proven technique that facilitates the supportive environment needed for an individual to become sober. The Johnson Model intervention is conducted through the following steps:
- Build a team. A Johnson Model interventionist will help family and friends of a loved one come together to help the opiate user.
- Hold planning sessions. A planning session is held before the intervention to determine who will say what to the individual who abuses opiates. An interventionist helps the team members use effective terminology.
- Separate the person from the disease. The Johnson Model intervention focuses on getting the team of loved ones to hate the disease, not the opiate user. Great care is taken when treatment options are discussed.
- Stay focused. Through this particular model, the team of loved ones must only reference issues pertaining to a loved one’s opiate use to help stay focused on the main goal of their eventual treatment.
- Use evidence. The intervention itself should include evidence of an individual’s opiate abuse and its effects on loved ones, as well as the negative consequences that can come from continued opiate use.
- Create options. The team of loved ones must approach the intervention with at least three different options for treatment for their opiate-addicted loved one that he can choose from if he accepts care.
The Johnson Model intervention is a set of seven different steps that helps utilize care and concern to approach an opiate addict. Each one of these steps is geared towards encouraging an opiate addict to accept treatment.
Additional Benefits of a Johnson Model Intervention
A Johnson Model intervention not only helps opiate addicts get the treatment needed to end a negative pattern of abuse, but it also helps the friends and family of the user as well. When you work together as a team, the friends and family of an opiate addict can work out their personal issues, as well as come together to help their loved one get better. In addition, the Johnson Model intervention can help encourage family and friends of an opiate addict to get help of their own.
Things to Consider
Does Someone You Love Need Help for Opiate Addiction?
It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, so if you need help yourself or someone close to you does, please call our toll-free, 24-hour helpline.[2] We are available right now to tell you more about other ways you can start helping your loved one. Do not waste one more second—make the call today.
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8727057 A Comparison of the Johnson Intervention with four other methods of referral to outpatient treatment. Loneck, B.
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2016/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse America’s Addiction to Opioids: Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse. Volkow, Nora.