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, " Gammill's own story is intertwined with depictions of her often harrowing and always inspiring interventions and those of some 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 story and the 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.

Reviews

Gammill, Joani. The Interventionist. Hazelden. May 2011. 336p. ISBN 9781592858941. pap. $14.95. MEMOIR

Gammill was a nurse in a drug-and-alcohol rehab facility, not to mention an addict. In a dark moment, she reached out on live television to Dr. Phil and promised to get help (and did). Now an independent interventionist and recovering addict/alcoholic, she partners with Dr. Phil to help addicts of all kinds. This story-alternating between tales of interventions she has facilitated and her corresponding personal struggle through addiction, recovery, and relapse-is powerfully rendered in active and emotionally connected language.
What I'm Telling My Friends This is Nurse Jackie staging interventions! She is human and gritty, someone you'd want in your corner if you were in need. Full of failures, bumps, and triumphs-she doesn't paint herself as fully savior or victim.--Julie Kane "Library Journal "