Many people who are active in their addictions find it very difficult to accept that they are actually abusing or addicted to a substance, and 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 health and life because of their abuse, the tolerance level dictates the amount of abuse, and thinking that they are in control. Addicted individuals tend to be unaware of how much damage is already done and their lack of control over the substances that are ruining their lives, and the lives of others. Denial to accept their problem and ignorance of their situation are two of the hardest barriers in getting across to addicts and getting them on the path to drug and alcohol recovery and into an effectivetreatment program.

Testimonials. . .
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 . . .