Introduction
When a family is facing a loved one's addiction, the path forward can feel overwhelming. In this interview, John Buschner, an interventionist with eight years of experience at Recovery Life Collective, shares his approach to helping families in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania navigate this difficult journey.
What is Total Family Intervention?
Buschner's model, Total Family Intervention, goes beyond the traditional crisis-focused approach. "Total Family Intervention is a comprehensive approach that involves the entire family system, not just the individual struggling with addiction," he explains. This method recognizes that addiction affects everyone in the family and that lasting recovery requires healing the whole unit.
Unlike models that focus solely on getting the individual into treatment, Buschner's approach prepares the family to support long-term change. "We work with families to understand their role in the addiction cycle and how they can become part of the solution," he says.
Handling Resistance and Refusal
One of the most common fears families have is that their loved one will refuse help. Buschner addresses this head-on. "When someone is resistant, we don't force them. We use a technique called 'raising the bottom' to help them see the consequences of their actions without us having to create those consequences," he shares.
This approach is grounded in the understanding that change must come from within. The intervention team works with the family to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively, often leading to a shift in the individual's willingness to engage.
The Family's Role in the Process
Family members are not passive observers in Buschner's model. "Family members are the most important part of the intervention process," he emphasizes. "We prepare them by educating them about addiction as a disease, teaching them how to communicate without enabling, and helping them develop a support plan for after treatment."
Preparation includes role-playing scenarios, discussing potential outcomes, and ensuring each family member understands their specific role. This groundwork is critical for the intervention to be effective and for the family to remain united.
Post-Intervention Support
Buschner's involvement doesn't end when a loved one enters treatment. "We stay involved after the intervention to ensure a smooth transition into treatment and to support the family during the early stages of recovery," he says. This continuity of care is vital because the period immediately following an intervention can be fragile.
He notes that families often need guidance on how to interact with their loved one during treatment, how to handle relapse risks, and how to maintain their own well-being. For more on aftercare strategies, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources on family recovery support.
Choosing an Interventionist and the Importance of CPRS Certification
When asked what families should look for, Buschner is clear: "Families should look for an interventionist who is certified, experienced, and who takes a family-centered approach. The CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) certification is important because it ensures the interventionist has lived experience and formal training in recovery support."
This certification, recognized in many states, indicates that the professional has undergone rigorous training and understands the nuances of addiction from both personal and clinical perspectives. Buschner also recommends checking for affiliations with organizations like the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers to verify credentials.
Practical Takeaways for Families
Buschner's advice for families just starting their search for help is straightforward: "Don't wait until it's too late. The sooner you involve a professional, the better the chances of a positive outcome." He encourages families to interview multiple interventionists, ask about their approach, and ensure they feel comfortable with the process.
For families in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, Recovery Life Collective offers a starting point. Additional resources can be found through the Partnership to End Addiction, which provides guidance on intervention and family support.
Conclusion
John Buschner's Total Family Intervention model offers a compassionate, comprehensive path for families struggling with addiction. By involving the entire family, preparing for resistance, and providing ongoing support, he helps create a foundation for lasting recovery. As he puts it, "Recovery is possible, and families don't have to do it alone."