Ep 17. Dawn and Fabian
- TV-14
- April 25, 2008
- 44 min
Dawn and Fabian are the subjects of season 3 episode 17 of Intervention. Dawn is a 38-year-old mother of two who has been struggling with addiction for over a decade. Her drug use began with prescription painkillers and progressed to heroin after she lost access to the pills. She now spends much of her time panhandling or stealing to support her habit, leaving her children in the care of her mother.
Fabian, on the other hand, is a 35-year-old who has been addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol for over a decade. His habit has led to him losing jobs, relationships, and even his home. He now spends much of his time on the streets, sleeping in shelters or in abandoned buildings.
The episode begins with a look into Dawn's daily life. She struggles to find money for her next fix, leaving her children alone at home for hours on end. Her mother, who has custody of the children, is at a loss for what to do as Dawn continues to prioritize her addiction over her family.
Fabian's story is also explored in detail. He tells the camera about his history of abuse at the hands of his father and how he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the trauma. His girlfriend, who is also an addict, has left him, and he is now single, homeless, and alone on the streets.
Throughout the episode, family and friends of both Dawn and Fabian share their stories and their struggles in trying to get their loved ones to seek help for their addiction. They tell of failed attempts at intervention and unsuccessful rehab stays.
The intervention itself takes place in a rehab facility, where Dawn and Fabian are surprised by the presence of their loved ones. The two are confronted with the reality of their addiction and the negative impact it has had on their lives and the lives of those around them.
Dawn and Fabian's resistance to treatment is a central focus of the episode. Both struggle to see the damage that they have inflicted upon themselves and others, and they are unwilling to commit to a long-term treatment plan.
Despite these challenges, their loved ones remain persistent in their efforts to get them to agree to a rehab program. The emotional toll of the situation is palpable as they plead with Dawn and Fabian to accept help.
As the episode comes to a close, the fate of Dawn and Fabian's recovery remains uncertain. While they both agree to start a rehab program, it is unclear whether they will be able to stick to it. The episode ends on a hopeful note as their loved ones express their willingness to continue supporting them on their road to recovery.