Strength in Numbers: The ARISE Method for Mobilizing Family and Network to Engage Substance Abusers in Treatment

The model described in this paper takes into consideration two key findings: (a) In a given year, the vast majority (90-95%) of active substance abusers do not enter treatment or self-help groups, and (b) substance abusers have frequent contact with their families (60-80% either live with a parent or are in daily contact). This paper presents a method for mobilizing and collaborating with families and extended the support system toward working with resistance and getting the substance abuser into treatment. Principles and techniques are provided for convening and structuring intervention network meetings toward that end. This intervention network approach can be used either alone or as part of an overall model, ARISE (A Relational Intervention Sequence for Engagement). The ARISE model addresses both clinical and programmatic issues in treatment engagement for substance abusers.