Interventions
Many people who are active in their addictions find it very difficult to accept that they are actually abusing or addicted to a substance, sex addiction, gambling, and eating disorder to name a few of the process addictions. In most cases, they are in denial. Denial can be a tool or a weapon. This is often one of the main obstacles in overcoming their problem. The cycle of addiction is: Preoccupation, Rituals, Acting out, and Disparity. Even if there is danger to their health and life because of their addiction, the amount of the abuse is dictated by their tolerance level, and rationalizing that they have control of the situation. Addicted individuals tend to be unaware of how much damage is already done and their lack of control over the addiction, as well as how it is ruining their lives, and the lives of others. Getting them on the path to recovery and into an effective treatment program is part of the journey, along with learning a new lifestyle and coping strategies; there is hope.
Stories from those impacted by their loved ones addiction . .
Our son was a cocaine addict, married and had a family. We were at our wits end with trying to help him. We called Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) for a family intervention and they referred us to Francoise Mastroianni. She worked with my husband and I for several weeks and helped to prepare us in writing our letters that we would read to our son at the intervention. She helped us to understand how the cycle of addiction perpetuates the addict. She scheduled the assessment at CDH in their Behavioral Services, the day of the intervention, and from her office, our son was admitted for treatment. He has been in recovery over a year. We now know how to set boundaries and not be drawn into the dysfunctional patterns that distanced us from one another.
- Linda . . .
Our sister, Martha, was an alcoholic and we all knew it. We watched her slowly change over the years, as she began to isolate more and more from the family. When we did see her she was usually drunk, and told us to mind our own business and stay out of her life. Francoise came to our home the day of the intervention at a planned event that my sister was invited to, not knowing this was going to change her life forever. She was ready to bolt when she realized what was taking place. We are so thankful that Francoise was there to patiently guide and direct the intervention. When we read our letters to Martha, we were very specific and clear about the ways her behavior had impacted our lives and how much we loved her. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. She was willing to go to treatment and finally get the help she needed. We could not have done this on our own. It was great to have the professional help and direction.
-Tanya . . .
My husband and I were married for 27 years before I discoved his secret life. He was addicted to pornography, and frequented prostitutes throuout our entire marriage. We did an Intensive Couple Weekend with Francoise and her collegue. My husband did a formal disclosure, which about put me over the edge. Francoise was very supportive and helped me to stay strong with the questions I had for him. I now feel like I have choices, and can take the time I need to heal from the trauma betrayel. It will take a long time before I can trust him again. We are not living together at this time, he is working on his recovery, after aggreeing to being in an in patient treatment center for three months. Without the direction and resources to know where to start, I don't know how I would of made it this far. I take one day at a time, and continue to get the help I need in therapy and my group.
Marina- partner of a sex addict
Stories from those impacted by their loved ones addiction . .
Our son was a cocaine addict, married and had a family. We were at our wits end with trying to help him. We called Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) for a family intervention and they referred us to Francoise Mastroianni. She worked with my husband and I for several weeks and helped to prepare us in writing our letters that we would read to our son at the intervention. She helped us to understand how the cycle of addiction perpetuates the addict. She scheduled the assessment at CDH in their Behavioral Services, the day of the intervention, and from her office, our son was admitted for treatment. He has been in recovery over a year. We now know how to set boundaries and not be drawn into the dysfunctional patterns that distanced us from one another.
- Linda . . .
Our sister, Martha, was an alcoholic and we all knew it. We watched her slowly change over the years, as she began to isolate more and more from the family. When we did see her she was usually drunk, and told us to mind our own business and stay out of her life. Francoise came to our home the day of the intervention at a planned event that my sister was invited to, not knowing this was going to change her life forever. She was ready to bolt when she realized what was taking place. We are so thankful that Francoise was there to patiently guide and direct the intervention. When we read our letters to Martha, we were very specific and clear about the ways her behavior had impacted our lives and how much we loved her. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. She was willing to go to treatment and finally get the help she needed. We could not have done this on our own. It was great to have the professional help and direction.
-Tanya . . .
My husband and I were married for 27 years before I discoved his secret life. He was addicted to pornography, and frequented prostitutes throuout our entire marriage. We did an Intensive Couple Weekend with Francoise and her collegue. My husband did a formal disclosure, which about put me over the edge. Francoise was very supportive and helped me to stay strong with the questions I had for him. I now feel like I have choices, and can take the time I need to heal from the trauma betrayel. It will take a long time before I can trust him again. We are not living together at this time, he is working on his recovery, after aggreeing to being in an in patient treatment center for three months. Without the direction and resources to know where to start, I don't know how I would of made it this far. I take one day at a time, and continue to get the help I need in therapy and my group.
Marina- partner of a sex addict
