The A&E network has this new documentary series called “Intervention” (Sundays at 10 p.m.), which is both compulsively watchable and completely exploitative. The premise is simple: Each show focuses on two addicts who believe they are participating in show about their addiction. What they don’t know is that they will soon face an intervention from family and friends. Thus far the show has covered addictions to gambling, shopping, morphine, vicodin, cutting and cocaine. Depressing? At times, but most of the addicts profiled seem to want help. And most of these folks are unbelievably interesting to watch. Gabe, the gambler profiled on the show’s second episode, is a child prodigy who graduated college by 14, was rapping college lectures at 17, and by 30 had racked up $200K in gambling debts. His outrageous disdain for his parents despite their unceasing generosity must be seen to be believed. “It is my personal feeling that when you decide to have kids, you’re responsible for them for their entire lives” he tells the cameras. And surely his in-the-street temper tantrum is bound straight for the Reality TV Hall of Fame. “Don’t use those buzz words with me!” he shouts at his mother while grabbing the keys from the ignition of her car.

We applaud the show’s producers for making the series more like an HBO documentary than a FOX farce. Our only complaint is that we never get to see what happens after the addicts enter rehab. Sure, we get a quick one sentence update as the credits roll, but what we really want to know is did they go back to popping pills or did they get their shit together? Perhaps not enough time has passed between production and air date to really know the answer. But at least these updates will make for an excellent end of season special (you listening A&E?). You can preview the series on the show’s website.

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If you believe that a loved one is addicted to cocaine, holding an intervention to pave the way for cocaine treatment is one of the wisest things to do.