Ep 1. Elena

Elena is the first episode of season 12 of the popular reality show Intervention, which follows people in crisis due to addiction as they receive help from their loved ones and a team of interventionists. The episode focuses on Elena, a 32-year-old woman from California who has been addicted to heroin for six years and also struggles with depression and anxiety.

Elena's addiction started when she was 26 and was prescribed painkillers for a back injury. She quickly became dependent on the pills and eventually switched to heroin as it was cheaper and easier to obtain. Since then, her life has been a constant cycle of using drugs, panhandling, and sleeping on the streets. Elena's family and friends have tried to help her numerous times, but she always manages to slip back into addiction.

The episode begins with Elena being followed by the show's production team as she goes about her day, scoring heroin and using it in public restrooms. Elena is shown to be fragile and vulnerable, struggling to cope with the reality of her situation while maintaining a tough exterior. Her family members are interviewed and express their concern and love for her, but also share their frustration and disappointment with her continued drug use.

The interventionists are called in to help Elena and her family, including facilitator Jeff Van Vonderen and therapist Candy Finnigan. The team gathers at a hotel room, where they watch video messages from Elena's loved ones expressing their concern and offering support. The group then rehearses what they will say to Elena during the intervention, which is an emotional and tense process.

The intervention takes place at a park where Elena is panhandling with a friend. Elena is initially resistant and defensive, but eventually agrees to hear what her loved ones have to say. They share how much they care for her and how her addiction has affected them, and offer her a chance to enter a treatment program. Elena is overcome with emotion and agrees to go to rehab, with the interventionists assisting her in finding a program that will fit her needs.

After the intervention, Elena goes through detox and starts to see the reality of her addiction. Throughout the episode, her vulnerable and introspective side is shown as she struggles to come to terms with the damage she has caused to herself and others. The show also highlights the importance of aftercare and staying sober, as Elena faces challenges both in and out of rehab.

Elena's recovery is not easy, and the episode does not offer a tidy resolution. Instead, it shows the ups and downs of addiction and recovery, and the long road that lies ahead for Elena. The show offers a glimpse into the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals and their loved ones, as well as the hope and possibility for recovery with the right support.