For those who have never seen the program, it follows various participants as they struggle with addictions so severe that the only hope for survival is an intervention.  Eating disorders, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and other life threatening behaviors bring each subject to the brink of death. But that’s not what’s so amazing.

It is an all too common story about people that have become lost in life because of bad choices. Many of these men and women experienced traumatic events that served as a catalyst to their destructive behavior. While in the innocence of youth, many were robbed of normalcy by those that should have been a source of protection. Now, they have become the “walking dead”.  But that still is not what’s most amazing.

The formula of the show is to follow these addicted individuals during their typical days leading up to an intervention session. Along side of their story the program gives a voice to the family members and friends who are most affected by the addiction of the programs subject. It’s heart wrenching to see the effect of addictive behavior on those who love these individuals and who are at a loss to get them to make life-saving changes.

The Intervention: Family members and close friends unite to give an ultimatum that offers either a pathway to recovery or a closed door to everything that enables the addiction.

What I find most compelling and enlightening is how a group of people with a common goal and a shared strategy can intervene into a person’s life in a way that could not be done if they were acting alone.  As a united group, using as a motivation the pain they jointly experience, they are singularly committed to a course of action that leaves no room for the apathetic. It’s everyone in or nothing. It’s a demonstration of strength in numbers.

On the surface most of those who agreed to rehabilitative therapy seemed incapable of achieving any type of significant progress or resolution to the personal demons they wrestled with. But it’s never good to judge people by what you see on the surface.

I have seen the hopeless rejuvenated to a life of possibilities. I have seen the estranged given another chance to enjoy the bonds of love. I have seen the lost start back on a clear path that is completely opposite of the paths they traveled most recently.

Isn’t it amazing the phenomenal accomplishments we experience as a team when we commit to a course of action with full participation?  

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
       But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
       A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV

The shared vision of a united, dedicated and determined team will do more towards effecting change than seems humanly possible. Teamwork still works. Are you in?