How do I assess the urgency of my situation?

The driving force in many Interventions is urgency and safety. Do you need to act immediately to save the person's life, or is this an ongoing problem that does not pose an immediate threat? The answer often determines what actions can be taken.

For example, an elderly couple slowly drinking themselves into the grave is not in as urgent need as a man on a binge with the car keys in his hand. A family dinner where adult children gather to speak reasonably to their parents about going into treatment could get the attention of the elderly couple, whereas nothing short of an arrest for drink driving may stop the person on a binge.

Thinking about the level of urgency prior to the initial meeting with the Interventionist will make the meeting more productive.