739 - Performing an Intervention

Addiction to anything can cause problems in your life. Learn how to help someone in this situation in this episode.
Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 16:38
Petra: Hey, what’s going on here? Why are all of you here in my apartment?
Johann: Your family and close friends are here to perform an intervention. We feel that you have a problem that is negatively affecting your life and the lives of the people around you.
Petra: An intervention?! I don’t need an intervention. What am I supposed to be addicted to?
Johann: I think you know. Each of us can attest to your obsession and the consequences of that addiction. It is interfering with your work and your personal relationships.
Petra: No, it’s not. I can’t believe this. I feel cornered!
Johann: We just want to help you. We all agree that you need to see a therapist and maybe go into treatment.
Petra: You guys are all crazy. Is that an ultimatum?
Johann: Yes, I’m afraid it is. If you don’t stop your obsessive behavior, we’ll take that away.
Petra: What?! Take away my MP3 player? If you take away my MP3 player, how am I supposed to listen to ESL Podcast?
Johann: That’s the idea. Listening to ESL Podcast 14 hours a day is not healthy.
Petra: Okay, I know I’ve gone overboard, but I’ll stop. I promise.
Johann: You’ll stop cold turkey?
Petra: Well...I need to be weaned off, I think. How about if I cut back to 10 hours a day to start?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse