Before You Hire Sam Davis iNTERVENTIONIST: A Mother’s Cautionary Tale for Families Seeking Addiction Treatment
When you're a parent trying to save your child from addiction, you'll do anything—even trust someone you met on social media. That’s what I did with Sam Davis, Owner of Intervention On Call.
This isn’t about canceling anyone. This is about educating families on what to look for when navigating an addiction treatment industry that’s riddled with manipulation, sales-driven decisions, and a complete lack of accountability. I’m a mother. I’m a nurse. And this is my story.
How I Found Sam Davis
I started following Sam Davis in 2022 after his videos about the “Florida Shuffle” and industry corruption landed on my TikTok feed. As someone who's lived through my daughter’s struggle with addiction, I felt a connection to his content. I even considered becoming an interventionist myself because I believed families deserved more honest support.
But what began as mutual engagement quickly turned into something I now regret.
The Search for Ethical Treatment
When my daughter decided she was ready for long-term treatment, we were cautious. We didn’t want her in Florida facilities, and we couldn’t trust Google reviews. I reached out to Sam directly for his insight. He recommended two programs: The Arbor and Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC). My only firm request? A medication-assisted treatment (MAT)–supportive facility. That was non-negotiable.
Sam said he’d reach out to MARC and they agreed to accept her through a mix of private insurance, GoFundMe donations, and scholarship. We were relieved and hopeful. I want to be clear: Sam was not officially hired, but his guidance directly influenced our decision. That distinction matters.
Where It Went Wrong
We were told my daughter would go through a 30–45 day blackout period. That turned into over 90 days—with no communication, no updates, and no winter clothes sent to her from Florida.
The assigned therapist created immense anxiety through doom-filled weekly calls, labeling my daughter a "flight risk" and refusing to offer any reassurance. I complied with every request: writing impact letters, attending calls, doing the emotional labor. But there was never acknowledgment, only pressure to hire outside support we couldn’t afford.
As a nurse who took a 50% pay cut in a fellowship, while paying for therapy for my other daughter. I wasn’t unwilling to seek help. I was unable. Families shouldn’t be judged for choosing between food, therapy, or survival.
The Breaking Point
After 90+ days, my daughter left treatment. I filed a missing persons report. I didn’t know if she was alive. I didn’t know how to get to Maryland. I was terrified.
During this time, Sam Davis began messaging me—not to help locate her, but to encourage me to meet with the owners of MARC (Maryland Addiction Recovery Center). I wasn’t interested in meetings—I wanted to find my child.
When I later saw Sam publicly defending the facility, disclosing information I hadn’t shared, and discussing my daughter’s situation as if it were his story to tell—I realized something:
He cared more about his business relationships than the real people involved.
In a livestream, Sam even admitted that if my daughter had completed treatment, it would have made him “look like a rockstar.” That’s not family support. That’s opportunism.
Why I’m Speaking Out
Someone must hold him accountable. Since there is little to no oversight in the industry the least I can do is educate families not only on Sam but how broken and corrupt the addiction treatment industry can be. And silence allows harm to grow.
I’ve since learned:
Sam Davis is not licensed or certified as a professional interventionist
My daughter signed a release of information (ROI) for him—treating him as a professional, even though we hadn’t hired him
He shared protected information publicly. Something any licensed provider would lose their credentials for
I’m not here to destroy anyone. I’m here to warn families:
If someone presents themselves as a professional, offers advice that shapes medical decisions, and accesses personal records …you should know whether they’re bound by ethics, licensure, or oversight.
Because too many in the addiction industry aren’t.
Red Flags for Families to Watch For
Anyone who encourages you to hire a facility before explaining the full treatment plan
“Professionals” with no licensing or board oversight
Advisors who suggest blackouts with no communication for weeks or months
People who disclose personal information about your loved one on livestreams or podcasts
Anyone whose primary motivation is how your story benefits their brand
When my daughter needed help, I trusted Sam Davis, Interventionist and owner of Intervention On Call. This post is about what happened next and what families deserve to know before choosing a treatment program or interventionist. Watch out for unethical addiction practices in the addiction industry.
Final Words: This Isn’t Just About Sam
Sam Davis was part of our story but the real harm came from a system that allows non-licensed individuals to act as gatekeepers to treatment, to make referral commissions, and to exploit vulnerable families.
I offered Sam a chance to go live with me and have a public conversation. He declined. That was his choice. But sharing my story? That’s mine.
If you’re a family navigating addiction:
Ask questions. Verify credentials. Trust your gut.
And please don’t confuse social media virality with professional ethics.
You’re Not Alone
I’m Brandi Mac. I’m a nurse practitioner. A mother. An advocate.
I share stories like this not to shame but to protect.
If you’ve experienced unethical treatment practices, please reach out. Your voice matters.
Do what you can live with. And don’t be afraid to speak the truth when no one else will.
