I think it can work if the addict is ready for sobriety outside of the threat of the intervention. However, if that were the case the intervention wouldn't be necessary in the first place, right?
I think if it goes badly ~for whatever reasons~ then it becomes an open wound that breeds resentments on both sides.
I am a firm believer that no one can make anyone become or stay sober unless they WANT it. When you look at the big picture, getting sober can be considerably harder than staying sober for many, many addicts so without the desire to be sober, they have difficulty maintaining sobriety.