The Johnson Model of Intervention
Addicts must recognize how addiction harms all people concerned, including the addict and everyone who
cares for him. This confrontational approach is used to nudge substance abusers into treatment before their life
deteriorates into a dangerous or fatal disaster.
The Johnson Model of Intervention Raises the Bottom
A main tenet of the Johnson Model Intervention is that addicts don’t seek help until they hit bottom. One of the
primary goals is to effectively “raise the bottom” for an addict to prevent the terrible, likely consequences that
lie ahead for a untreated addict. Family members, friends and other people important to the addict are invited
to participate in an intervention. The goal is to show the addict how concerned everyone is for his health and to
convince him to enter into treatment.
First Step for the Johnson Model of Intervention
The first step to take for families hoping to help a loved one is to hire a professional interventionist. A trained
expert in this field can guide the whole process for the best possible chance to achieve success. In an
emotionally-charged interaction like an intervention, the experience and objectivity that a trained professional
provides is critical to keep the meeting productive.
Johnson Model of Invitation Rehearsal
Before the actual intervention meeting, the interventionist coaches participants to psychologically prepare them
for the confrontation. It is a common practice for the family and friends attending to rehearse what they will say
to the addict.
Being emotionally prepared for all the possibilities that can arise in an intervention provides participants with
the tools they need to handle emotions in a productive manner. The professional interventionist guides the
participants and reviews likely scenarios in preparation for the big day.
The Day of the Johnson Model Intervention
The day of the intervention, the addict is surprised by the group’s purpose for the get-together. He is confronted
by each participant. Family members and friends tell the addict in their own words how worried they are for the
addict and how the addiction has harmed them personally.
What is the Johnson Model of Intervention?
