Patrick J. Hart Psy.D.
Seattle and Bellevue Based: National Intervention Services
Addiction Recovery Practice: Family Intervention Specialist

Addiction is most usefully viewed as a complex illness–a biochemical trap–that is characterized by a progressive loss of behavioral control and compulsive impulses to continue drug use even in the face of exceedingly devastating consequences. Only a small percentage of people are able to resolve addictive behavior patterns without formal, dedicated, well informed help. “Addicts and alcoholics” are unwittingly trapped in their destructive patterns of drug–abusing behavior and simply cannot adequately limit their use–or effectively quit of their own accord.

Through tears of shame and humiliation one client exclaimed: “When I could stop using, I didn't want to. Now that I can't stop, I'm desperate - It is time for help - I can't do it alone . . .”

Joining with others is crucial to the successful resolution of problems of addiction and chemical dependency. During the early phases of chemical dependency the user has some degree of control over their impulsive patterns of drug use. However, the later stages of the addictive process presents us with an entirely different picture. Some form of family (concerned others) intervention frequently becomes necessary to enhance awareness of the problem, and to and motivate specific actions that promote addiction recovery skills.

The Problem: A Chronic Progressive and Terminal Illness

The medical community now defines addiction as a “disease,” a chronic and progressive illness like diabetes or hypertension. It is essential to realize that the term “addiction” no longer implies a chemically induced (physical) withdrawal process. The term “chemical dependence” has replaced this in psychological diagnostic terms. This simply means that ones life is negatively impacted or compromised in various ways: socially, occupationally, academically, medically, psychologically, legally, parentally, maritally . . .

Addiction: An Interpersonally Devastating Loss of Control:
"The Hijacked Brain" and "Drug Driven Behavior"
Loved Ones Remain Aware: that chronic substance abuse has altered the drug user's brain structures, neural networks and neurochemistry. Chemically dependent people's brains and behaviors have been “hijacked” so to speak, by biochemical changes associated with chronic abuse. Psychologists and physicians have begun to understand why addicted individuals sacrifice every thing that is important to them–their families, their jobs, their physical health–in the quest for a fix. Because of the addictive process, voluntary control has been relinquished. Both you–and your drug impaired loved one–deserve adequate help. Alcohol drug intervention motivates change.

The Question: Why Does My Loved One Continue to Self-Destruct?
Why is it that without some type of intervention strategy, the substance abuser is highly unlikely to ever seek help of their own accord? Because of the neurological compromises associated with the addictive process, addicts remain oblivious to the true nature of their plight. Chemical dependency is an illness of denial, minimization and self-delusion: “There is nothing wrong–I’ll quit tomorrow–just cut down– my drinking is not that bad– get off my back.” Bewildering is the fact that many substance users continue their chemical abuse while they slowly deteriorate from the disease of addiction. This quandary has been stated in gravely realistic terms by Dr. Paul Wood, President of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 1990.

“The question is how do we get people who are dying, who do not believe they are dying, who fight the slightest inkling they are dying, to believe that they are dying and accept help which will save their lives? This question has always lived at the center of the tragic conundrum that is the alcoholic and other drug addicted person.”

An Answer: The Hart Center Comprehensive Family Intervention
Without formal help, many people will continue to abuse alcohol and other drugs until they meet with grave and crippling consequences. Drug addiction presents a progressively devastating illness –that traps– the best of us. Intervention helps you - help you loved one out of the frequently fatal progression of addiction to alcohol and other drug dependency.

Prevent “Rock-Bottom” Before  More  Damage  Is  Done!
Families should be mindful that few people can maintain their addictive disorders without someone else helping them perpetuate drug abuse. Through intervention education and planning, most families discover that certain enabling roles have become crystallized. Certain members typically find that they have been unwittingly “propping up the abuser” in effect – enabling – the addictive behavior to continue, even in the face of progressively devastating results. Family drug intervention saves lives, marriages and livelihoods! Simply call to explore intervention services. Dr. Hart is an Seattle based intervention specialist who provides a range of intervention methods to help you assure that you are making informed choices for addiction treatment options. Private telephone consultation and national services are readily available. Educate yourself about family intervention methods and explore the range of approaches practiced by professional intervention specialists: Invitational intervention, family systemic intervention and creative approaches to assure that you intervene with the strongest probability of success.

Enable Wellness? Stop Supporting the Addiction!
Professionally guided intervention assures that you deliver a loving, compassionate, and motivational message to someone who is trapped in the grips of substance abuse. The intervention process frequently involves a proclamation to cease enabling roles. This represents a fine-tuned and unified “message form reality.” A compelling and unified wake-up call that offers realistic help!


Even a single Informational Assessment Consultation will help family members  begin to respond constructively to problems of addiction! Without menaing to do in, we frequently enable others to maintain their addictive behavior. Through the intervention process significant others learn to disengage from roles and actions that have "enabled" and unintentionally helped the user to remain trapped in the grips of addiction. Honestly, as you feel the chaos and see the deterioration ~ how much more ~ are you willing to endure?