We focus on successful treatment and recovery models and apply the principles of those models to other population groups.  These successful models are the pilots and physicians programs.  These models are run by the Airlines in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Agency for pilots and Medical Boards for doctors. 

Why are these programs so successful and what makes them different from other treatment programs? 

The very simplistic answer is the involvement of the overseeing the recovery process.  These boards:

• Set the treatment and recovery standards
• Are advised by professional, licensed, qualified addiction counselors
• Require monitored compliance with treatment recommendations
• Condition resuming employment as a pilot or doctor on successful completion of the program
• Understand recovery takes many months, it not years when co-occurring conditions exist.

It is much more difficult to apply these five standards to other groups because current addiction treatment and practice is so different from the pilot/physician program.  (These differences are one reason why treatment outcomes are low for the general population.)  For example, most families end effective engagement with their addicted loved one after the intervention.  Also most addicts do not follow post treatment recommendations.  Both reasons for the high relapse rates. 

Maintain positive engagement with the addict throughout the recovery process

• The model we present discusses maintaining a relationship with the addict, using leverage to encourage the addict to comply with post-treatment plans, and doing so for many months, as recovery takes much, much longer than 28 days.

Our model reflects new trends in addiction literature, which emphasize “positive family enabling” and “concurrent recovery management”.

Another group that has better outcome rates are Judges overseeing comprehensive programs in DUI and Drug Courts.

The threat of jail time is an effective tool in encouraging offenders to comply with treatment and recovery requirements. 

• So don’t use family influence and resources to help your family member with legal troubles avoid them. 

Use your family influence and resources to advocate within the legal system for treatment and consequences for failure to comply with Court orders.

So, to be helpful to the problem family member, you must:

1. Understand the basic concepts of the FAA/airlines and Medical Boards programs and why they are successful
2. Find qualified professionals to help you.  (Most treatment center referrals to families calling for help are to people lacking the skill sets to perform the roles described in this website and our articles.)
3. Read the Systems section of this website and in the Recommendations article.