Substance Abuse: How a Counselor Can Help

Substance Abuse: How a Counselor Can Help : Substance abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Drugs and alcohol can lead people to substance abuse. It only takes one try for some drugs. Although many people may realize they need professional intervention, they may shy away from getting help.

Learning how a professional counselor can help them will assist addicts in overcoming their addictions and seeing a brighter day.

What Is an Abuse Counselor?

Those addicts who have never been helped by an abuse counselor may not know what these mental health professionals offer. A suboxone clinic can make a significant difference in the life of the substance abuser.

Abuse counselors go through special training to help addicts and their loved ones with the impacts of various addictions. These professionals evaluate their patients’ health, recommend treatments, and guide them through the process of recovery and well beyond sobriety. Involving the addict’s family is critical for helping individuals put their substance abuse problems into remission.

How Do Substance Abuse Counselors Help Addicts?

Those who cannot admit they have a substance abuse problem will likely never seek help for their addictions. One must admit they need help before they become willing to seek a substance abuse counselor. The following offers information on how these mental health professionals can help their patients.

Counselors Form an Alliance with Their Patients

One of the reasons substance abuse counselors are so effective at helping addicts is that they form close alliances with their patients. It is challenging to admit one has a substance abuse program. Knowing someone is on their side no matter what helps addicts get the courage to move forward with treatment. The counselor and patient work together to form a treatment plan that addresses the constraints of the patient and helps them meet their sobriety goals.

Counselors Become Cheerleaders

While it sounds trivial, a significant part of counseling addicts is becoming their cheerleaders. Counselors help encourage addicts to continue treatment and reach their sobriety goals. Counselors are empowered to find the therapy style that most aptly addresses the needs of their patients.

Counselors Can Help Addicts Avoid Relapse

Statistics state 40% to 60% of addicts seeking addiction recovery relapse, usually within the first 30 days. Counselors help patients develop a relapse prevention plan that addresses the addict’s unique needs. Counselors will help addicts learn to say no to drugs and alcohol, no matter the situation they face.

Counselors Also Meet With Family Members

Studies have proven addicts who have a strong and supportive family are less likely to relapse after treatment. Substance abuse counselors work with the family to ensure the addict has a network of help and support available when they need it.

Counselors Refer Patients to Other Forms of Treatment

In addition to the above, substance abuse counselors also refer their patients to other professional interventions as needed. Addicts have a variety of resources available to them. Substance abuse counselors can help patients get the help they need from every source.

Seek Professional Substance Abuse Intervention

Most people cannot overcome drugs and alcohol without professional intervention. Getting counseling from a substance abuse counselor can make a profound difference in an addict’s life. Waiting too long to seek treatment only places an addict’s life in further danger. Counselors are highly effective at helping addicts go through rehab and other treatments to help them reach their goals of sobriety.