1. What inspired you to become an interventionist?

Growing up, the family dynamic I experienced was heavily influenced by my father's battle with alcoholism. He was a great man, but when he consumed alcohol, it was like a Jekyll and Hyde transformation, leading to a turbulent and violent upbringing. As I embarked on my own journey to sobriety and discovered the beauty of recovery, I realized that I could make a significant impact on people's lives by helping them break free from the clutches of addiction.

During my recovery journey, I met an individual named Phil Kelly in a 12-step group, who happened to be a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP). He introduced me to the world of intervention, and at that time, having achieved six years of sobriety, I faced my own struggles. Driven by a passion to make a difference, I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to learn and grow as an interventionist. I immersed myself in the field, determined to acquire knowledge and skills to become the best I could be.

The more interventions I conducted, the more my love for the work grew. It has now been 11 years since I embarked on this journey, and being an interventionist has become the epicenter of my world. I find true fulfillment in helping families and individuals navigate their way towards healing and recovery. It is a blessing to do this work and witness the positive transformations that occur when families come together to support their loved ones on their path to a better life.

2. How do you approach interventions with compassion and understanding?

I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact addiction can have on families. It tears through the very core, affecting every member and leaving them riddled with pain and suffering. Because I've been there myself, I can sympathize and empathize with the families I work with. I let them know that they don't have to continue living in this cycle of despair.

As an interventionist, my role is to step into their lives and create a blueprint for their family's transformation. I guide them towards a completely different way of living and thinking. It's about exposing them to a new mindset that fosters healing, growth, and positive change. Families deserve to find hope and reclaim their lives from the clutches of addiction, and I'm here to support them on this journey of recovery and transformation.

3. Share a memorable intervention success story that touched your heart.

One memorable intervention that stands out to me is the one with Pastor Pete in Virginia, about six years ago. It was a unique and challenging experience as he was a pastor of a moderate-sized congregation. I must admit I felt intimidated, considering his position as a man of God, and I wasn't sure how the intervention would unfold. However, it turned out to be a resounding success.

We met on a Sunday morning when he was supposed to be in front of his church, and I could see that he was deeply entrenched in denial about his alcoholism, rationalizing and justifying his actions. In that moment, I knew I had to be direct and honest with him. I paused, looked him in the eyes, and firmly told the pastor, "NO MORE LIES" From that point on, the intervention took a new course, and we made the decision to seek treatment.

Over the years, Pastor Pete has stayed true to his commitment. Every anniversary, he sends me a heartfelt text expressing gratitude for my assistance and reminding me of the mantra we established that day: "NO MORE LIES" Witnessing his transformation and witnessing the positive impact of the intervention on his life and congregation reaffirms my dedication to helping individuals and families break free from the grips of addiction and find hope and healing.

4. What makes Intervention 365 unique in the landscape of recovery centers in Pennsylvania?

At Intervention 365, right from the very first phone call, we make it clear to the family that our commitment is for a lifetime. We're in this together, till the bitter end. There will never be a moment when we won't answer the phone or be involved. We understand that after treatment, the real journey of recovery begins, and that's when our role truly comes to life. We hold your hand every step of the way, providing unwavering support and guidance.

Our goal is to be your constant guide throughout your recovery journey. We want you to call us whenever you need help, advice, or just someone to talk to. We believe that recovery is a lifetime journey, and it's not just about getting someone to treatment. To us, a successful intervention means being there for the family in every aspect of recovery and care. Once your loved one completes treatment, our dedication continues without any compromise. We're fully committed to being there for the long haul, providing ongoing support, encouragement, and resources to ensure lasting success in your recovery journey.

5. How do you address the stigma surrounding addiction to create a safe space for healing?

In today's day and age, in my opinion, addiction is no longer burdened by the stigma it once carried. We've come a long way in understanding that alcohol and drug addiction are forms of mental illness that can be managed and treated, one day at a time. It's important to acknowledge that even individuals who have achieved great success in their professional lives can still suffer from the disease of addiction.

For me, it's all about being open and honest, laying the cards on the table, and allowing the sunlight to shine in. By doing so, we can leave stigma in the rearview mirror and focus on getting healthier, without worrying about what others might think. Embracing this perspective helps us move forward with strength and determination, breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive environment for those seeking help and recovery. Together, we can pave the way for a future where addiction is treated with compassion and understanding, and where everyone is encouraged to seek the support they need to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

6. How important is family involvement in the intervention process, and how do you guide them?

Family involvement is just as crucial as the loved one seeking treatment. If the family doesn't address their own issues and heal alongside their loved one's journey to recovery, the chances of success diminish significantly. It's vital for families to be educated and guided on their own path to health while supporting their loved one's healing process.

As an interventionist, I guide families by dismantling everything they believe to be abnormal and rebuild a new foundation for understanding and growth. They must be open and willing to be coached through the process. By being teachable and embracing every step of the journey, the chances of successful recovery skyrocket. Family support and active involvement are key elements in creating a healthy environment for both the individual seeking treatment and their loved ones. Together, we can foster an atmosphere of healing and growth, ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

7. In your experience, how do interventions pave the way for long-term recovery?

The way I see it, interventions set the blueprint for the entire future. It's about bringing families together, especially those who are in the midst of chaos and desperation. Sometimes, they have tried everything without success, and it becomes crucial to stop and reset, changing their behaviors and attitudes.

In my experience, there's no such thing as an unsuccessful intervention. Even if the person struggling doesn't immediately go to treatment, if the right interventionist comes into their life, trains, teaches, and guides the family, it's still a tremendous success. It lays the groundwork for transformation and opens the door for future opportunities to support their loved one in getting the help they need. The impact of a successful intervention ripples far beyond the moment itself, leading to positive changes that can endure for a lifetime.

8. What role does mental health play in addiction interventions, and how do you address it?

In every single intervention I have done, and I'm getting close to 600 now, there's always been a mental health component. Addiction and mental health are deeply intertwined, and addressing both aspects is paramount for successful recovery. To truly understand where our loved one stands in their mental health, we need to strip down the substance usage and get to the baseline.

When it comes to addressing mental health in the intervention process, I approach it in the proper fashion, acknowledging its significance and impact on the individual's well-being. There are times when the mental health aspect weighs heavier than the addiction itself. In such cases, I must pivot and carefully consider where to best send someone for treatment, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need. I collaborate closely with vetted providers to find the most suitable treatment path that addresses both addiction and mental health, aiming for a comprehensive recovery journey for the individual and their family.

9. How do you customize intervention plans to suit the unique needs of individuals?

Each intervention is unique; there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Sometimes we rely on pure love as leverage, while other times emotional connections or outside stimuli can be used to motivate the individual towards change. I never enter an intervention with a preconceived notion of how it will unfold. Instead, I meet with the family to truly listen to their concerns and perspectives. It is from this initial meeting that I gather the necessary insights to carefully analyze the situation and determine the best course of action to move forward. Flexibility and adaptability are key in the intervention process, allowing us to tailor our approach to the specific needs and dynamics of each family and individual.

10. What advice would you give to someone seeking help for their loved one's addiction?

If someone is considering an intervention, the first thing I would recommend is to reach out and connect with an interventionist. It's crucial to thoroughly vet their qualifications and credentials and understand who will be coming into your home. Choosing the right interventionist is the foundation of a successful intervention. Don't hesitate to contact a few interventionists to gain different perspectives and find someone you feel comfortable working with.

In some cases, if the individual struggling with addiction is already willing and ready to seek help, an intervention might not be necessary. However, getting them into treatment is still of utmost importance. As an interventionist, our role extends beyond just conducting interventions. We are here to assist anyone who calls, and that includes connecting them with reputable rehab facilities that we have personally vetted. My goal is to guide individuals and their families in the direction of treatment, and I'm more than happy to make any necessary calls on their behalf at no cost. Assisting those who are struggling on their journey to recovery is both my passion and privilege.

In this candid interview, Jim Reidy, the visionary founder of Intervention 365, has provided a glimpse into the heart of addiction interventions in Pennsylvania. With an unwavering dedication to guiding individuals towards healing and hope, Intervention 365 stands as a beacon of compassion and support in the journey to recovery. If you or a loved one is grappling with addiction, remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and intervention can be the transformative force that leads to a life reclaimed. Embrace hope with Intervention 365 - where transformation begins every day.