Love First: A New Approach to Intervention for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (Hezelden Guidebook)

If alcoholics and addicts won't accept help until they're ready, what gets them ready? This book provides an answer in clear, concise terms. Dispelling two damaging myths -- that an addict has to hit bottom and that intervention must be confrontational -- the authors' proven approach puts love first and shows families, step by step, what to do next.

"A convincing new approach to intervention that puts love and respect first." Jack Canfield, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

"Building a team, choosing a chairperson, anticipating objections, using checklists, and rehearsing for the intervention itself -- the reader will find it all here!" Robert M. Morse, M.D., Professor emeritus, psychiatry, Mayo Medical School and Former director of Addictive Disorders Services, Mayo Clinic.

"Love First is destined to become the new classic on intervention for alcoholism and drug addiction. The most comprehensive book available on the life-saving technique of intervention, Love First will save lives! A worthy successor to Vernon Johnson¿s I¿ll Quit Tomorrow."
--Kathy Ketcham, Coauthor, Beyond the Influence and The Spirituality of Imperfection

"Love First provides the most detailed account yet of how intervention works. A significant contribution to intervention literature. An empowering antidote to the disease of addiction."
--William l. White, author Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment

Debra Jay is the co-author of two Hazelden Guidebooks: Love First: A New Approach to Intervention and Aging and Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol or Medication Dependence. She is in private practice as an interventionist specializing in chemically dependent older adults. She provides intervention training and consultation to families throughout the United States and Canada. Ms. Jay has been writing a regular newspaper column on alcohol and drugs in society since 1996. She resides in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Jeff Jay is president of the Terry McGovern Foundation in Washington, D.C. He is a professional interventionist, author, and trainer. His work has appeared on CNN, Parade Magazine, and the Washington Post. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and a certified addictions professional. "'I am passionate about intervention for a very simple reason,"' says Jeff. "'Intervention saved my life."' Jeff writes a monthly column on alcohol, drugs, and family for the Grosse Pointe News. The column features questions from readers.