ABSTRACT
Addiction treatment is big business. However, the work of the addiction interventionist is not for everyone. This chapter explores the professional, ethical, and business considerations addiction interventionists must take into account before embarking on a career path within the niche. The authors examine entrepreneurial skills-matching and self-employment requirements required of professional interventionists.
Additionally, the chapter reviews the ethical principles within the addiction treatment industry and their application to the work of substance use disorders and mental health treatment. Further attention is given to case examples of ethical concerns with practical exercises. The authors list the professional associations interventionists might join and outline a model for ethical decision-making.
Finally, the chapter ends with encouragement for therapeutic alliance between clinicians in dealing with families and their loved ones. The authors lay out a case for thinking of interventions as an adjunct therapy to psychotherapy, with professional interventionists as allies rather than competitors. The chapter ends with a call for collaboration and direction for how to find a professional interventionist, if and when needed.
