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The Interventionist
Inspiring stories from the frontlines of the battle against addiction by Dr. Phil's leading interventionist and recovering addict Joani Gammill.
"Exuding the same passion and purpose as the author herself, Joani Gammill's The Interventionist is a heartfelt game changer and long overdue. You deserve to read it." --Dr. Phil McGraw, host of CBS's nationally syndicated show "Dr. Phil"
Joani Gammill, an average suburban mom on the outside, was secretly addicted to multiple forms of opiates and amphetamine for years, and almost died as a result. Through the life-changing intervention staged by Dr. Phil on his show, Gammill not only committed to getting help for her addiction, but she also went on to become a professional interventionist, helping thousands of others in distress.
In The Interventionist , she intertwines her experiences with depictions of her often harrowing and always inspiring interventions of the addicts and families she's worked with over the years. In each chapter she recounts details of a client's unique battle with addiction and the devastation that led to a loved one's request for her help.
Gammill's intriguing story--and the equally captivating stories of the brave people who come to her for help--demonstrates how it is possible to emerge from the seemingly hopeless world of out-of-control drug use and not only regain one's sanity, but actually discover that life clean and sober can be more meaningful than it ever was before.
"Exuding the same passion and purpose as the author herself, Joani Gammill's The Interventionist is a heartfelt game changer and long overdue. You deserve to read it." --Dr. Phil McGraw, host of CBS's nationally syndicated show "Dr. Phil"
Joani Gammill, an average suburban mom on the outside, was secretly addicted to multiple forms of opiates and amphetamine for years, and almost died as a result. Through the life-changing intervention staged by Dr. Phil on his show, Gammill not only committed to getting help for her addiction, but she also went on to become a professional interventionist, helping thousands of others in distress.
In The Interventionist , she intertwines her experiences with depictions of her often harrowing and always inspiring interventions of the addicts and families she's worked with over the years. In each chapter she recounts details of a client's unique battle with addiction and the devastation that led to a loved one's request for her help.
Gammill's intriguing story--and the equally captivating stories of the brave people who come to her for help--demonstrates how it is possible to emerge from the seemingly hopeless world of out-of-control drug use and not only regain one's sanity, but actually discover that life clean and sober can be more meaningful than it ever was before.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2011
12 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2012
I just finished up this book and I have to say that I LOVED it. I am a recovering alcoholic myself so I completely related to this entire book. I related to everything that Joani went through as well as the people in her interventions. This book is a very honest account of what addiction can do to those affected by the disease and also how their families and friends are affected. Joani knows her facts also - I like reading a book about addiction where I KNOW The author is educated on the subject and she is very much that. I am going to a charity luncheon this coming Thursday that benefits the treatment center where I did my inpatient treatment and Joani Gammill is the speaker and I absolutely can't wait to hear her, even more so now after reading her book. If you have gone through addiction yourself this is an excellent read and if you know someone who has gone through it, it's worth a read as well.
June 28, 2012
This was a good read but parts were just sad knowing that people have these demons that they can't shake. The author went through Hell but Is now helping others. Good lessons and tips for anyone that knows of someone fighting an addiction.
January 2, 2025
True stories by a nurse who works as a professional interventionist in cases of substance abuse
November 7, 2013
I think that Joani Gammill is a gift to those that struggle with severe addiction. What she says is that what keeps her sober is helping others; her approach is through love; she is constantly giving her love and her hope to others that may or may not be successful in recovery. She does not allow fear of loosing these people that she helps with her love to deter her from helping the next addict. She seems to let go of any expectations from those that she helps. She does not take their actions personally.
I loved how she related her own story to each intervention that she walks us through. She keeps us in suspense, so this book, though non-fiction, read like a good novel too!
This book was very important too me.
I loved how she related her own story to each intervention that she walks us through. She keeps us in suspense, so this book, though non-fiction, read like a good novel too!
This book was very important too me.
September 5, 2014
The Interventionist alternates between Gammill's own story of addiction and recovery, and accounts of interventions she facilitated. I found her story moving, not just emotionally, but in a literary sense. I thought her personal story was well paced, with just enough detail. (Too many recovery books could be titled "My Plod Through Hell, My Instantaneous Recovery.")
The Interventionist could have used a lot less intervention stories. By the end they reminded me of a welcome hug held too long.
The Interventionist could have used a lot less intervention stories. By the end they reminded me of a welcome hug held too long.
February 20, 2012
This book was awesome, especially if you know an addict. It helps open your eyes to the real addiction ways. Ive always heard stories on addicts and the manipulating they are known for! If you are dealing with or have dealt with addicts, this is a MUST read for you! I could not put it down!!!
May 11, 2020
The Interventionist by Joani Gammill (Hazelden 2011) (362.29062) is a well-written book about individuals battling drug or alcohol addiction. Its publishing house is Hazelden, which is known as a leading recovery hospital/center. My rating: 6.5/10, finished 1/8/13.
July 6, 2011
An interesting take on careers, this person provides a memoir on her experiences rescuing people from themselves and their addictions, as requested by family members.
August 17, 2011
Raw and up close look at the mind of an addict. How Joan Gammill took a negative and turned it into a positive. Interesting and sad and very honest.
September 25, 2011
This was a good read and I learned alot from the book. Learn about how drugs really can take over your body, life, and family.
September 19, 2012
The author was very candid with her dysfunctional upbringing and addiction. She also includes various stories of the people she helps through intervention. Sad but enlightening as well.
December 17, 2012
Some people are born with patience....!
January 17, 2013
I liked the look into addiction from the interventionist point of view. Especially the fact that Joani herself was a recovering addict.
April 15, 2013
Being a recovering alcoholic/addict myself I thought Joani Gammill did a great job of being honest and raw when it comes to this disease.
November 14, 2013
Brilliant!
August 20, 2014
I reread this book once every year and always find new things. Great book for those who struggle with addictions themselves or know someone who does.
September 4, 2015
Amazing, candidly honest book. Liked the format of going back and forth between her experiences as an interventionist and her struggles with addiction.
February 7, 2012
Enjoy these stories of redemption and human growth from tragedy to fulfillment.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews