The Impact of Intervention Series
“The Days of Our Lives”
by Paige

The show came out in 2005, when my own addiction was well and alive. I just didn’t quite understand myself, my trauma and my addiction quite yet. I was 16 years old, addicted to crack and in a very dark place mentally.

Intervention has come in and out of my life at different times in my life. There’s been times where I’d go years without watching it. There were other times I felt like couldn’t stop binge watching it, even if I wanted to.

While I was using, I would watch intervention, and truly not feel so alone. I would empathize and cheer on the person they were showing that day. There are specific people on the show that I can relate to a lot. Whether it was their dysfunctional family situation, where they generally were the black sheep. Or it was their outrageous freak outs when within their soul, they’re screaming “nobody understands me.” Hearing other addicts’ philosophies and sense of self re-assured me that good still lives within me. The show and the addicts in it helped me understand myself and my addiction a lot more. It honestly made me realize that there are many people out there suffering this sickness along side me.

Fast Forward – 6 or 7 years and it was my first shot at sobriety. I would watch intervention ENDLESSLY, I would binge watch it and stay up all night. I would get high vicariously through the addicts on the show. I would come away from the tv feeling groggy, yet full of adrenalin.

I have relapsed and got clean more times then I even wish to count right now. But I have had many years of sobriety in between all that. My addict self found out that I don’t even like crack, and I much rather shoot heroin. That habit carried on with me on and off up until today. Just like other addicts on the show. I don’t always agree with how Intervention, or the producers go about the intervention. Or how they speak about certain medication. However, they have the ability to give people the real, raw, honest look at addiction. I think intervention has showed me, if nothing else, that the opposite of addiction, is love and connection.

There’s been times where I couldn’t watch intervention, because it is a trigger for me, it leaves me feeling jealous of those that are using, and envy them as they are semi-conscious. I will get that warm feeling in my stomach, with a million butterflies flying through the knots. Sometimes watching it will literally make me have to use the bathroom. I don’t know why, but it must be an addict thing. When that happens, I take a break for a little bit and come back when I feel like I am in a better place.

Intervention has been there for me through the days of my life, and I’m sure countless others. I genuinely feel for the people on the show. Just like if it was a family or friend, I can feel what they’re feeling in their moments of sadness. There’s something deep about addicts that only another addict could understand. But telepathically, we understand. I mourn many who have died on the show because I was hoping for the best for them.

I know I’m not alone in this weird semi-un healthy relationship I have with intervention. Thankfully right now I am clean and sober. Also I am able to binge watch Intervention, “in a healthy way.” (says me- haha)  As of today, I watched a couple shows from season 18. (by the way, I love season 18th format- don’t shoot me!) When I was watching season 18, It actually makes me grateful for my sobriety today. And sometimes I really need that reminder.

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