Author: Gary Jackson

What is Abuse Counselor

Counselors are an important part of addiction therapy, and their role and involvement in the treatment process is instrumental to recovery. While this trust takes time to develop, patients should eventually feel comfortable speaking freely during sessions, feel relief after an appointment and feel a desire to go back. Others work with a counselor and achieve progress but ultimately need to work with someone else. All of these are acceptable and expected parts of being a substance abuse counselor.

Work closely with full-time faculty, all of whom hold doctoral degrees and bring first-hand knowledge from years of clinical experience, research and teaching. Licensed addiction counselors are experts at understanding the underlying causes of addiction. They use several techniques to help address the many factors that contribute to and reinforce substance use disorder. Of course, requirements for addiction counselors will vary by state and employer. It is important to do your research and understand the specific prerequisites needed to fulfill this career path where you are.

What Does An Addiction Counselor Do?

This part of therapy is on of the keys, because without pinpointing the underlying issue, long-term recovery is less likely. Mental health issues and behavioral disorders often coincide with addiction. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

This therapy was designed to treat and address trauma-based conditions. It works by utilizing bilateral stimulation (eye movements) and working through a system of memories connected to that trauma. EMDR is structured and standardized, which requires additional training on the counselor’s part. It is helpful for those who have experienced trauma at any age and has other “protocols” which allow it to be used in treating substance use disorders, often through reducing triggers for substance use. Many people who struggle with a substance use disorder also have underlying trauma concerns.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

But there are evidence-based therapies that can help people manage the disease and live a happier, healthier life. For many people affected by addiction, addiction counselors are the vital link to recovery. You’ll at least need a bachelor’s degree to practice addiction counseling.

The chronic nature of addiction means that a large percentage of patients will relapse at some point during recovery. According to a 2022 survey by The Recovery Village, of 2,136 American adults who wanted to stop drinking, only 29% reported never relapsing. The survey illustrated that relapse is a significant factor in a patient’s recovery process. Rather, it serves as an indicator that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Counselors also work with families to help them better understand their loved one’s illness and guide their interactions with them. Their role may also encompass community outreach such as working with job placement services, support groups and schools, all to support their patients’ goals of living healthier lives.

Group Counseling

There are a variety of behavioral health therapies for dealing with co-occurring disorders. Experts report that more than 46 million people in the United States—about 17 percent of the total population—are struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD). The demographic most affected by an SUD, commonly referred to as substance addiction, was young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Approaches to treating substance misuse and addiction have undergone many changes over time. In the past, addiction was often regarded as a character flaw or moral failure. For example, a counselor may need to establish trust with their patients or tell difficult truths.

• You might find that you want to pursue further education or work with a specific type of patient.
• Experts report that more than 46 million people in the United States—about 17 percent of the total population—are struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD).
• Connect with a licensed therapist from BetterHelp for porn addiction counseling.
• These vitals are directly connected to managing discomfort, including anxiety and stressful situations.
• Many people’s first experience working with a substance use counselor will be at a local detox center or treatment program after coming to terms with their substance use problem.

Mindfulness is an umbrella term for many of these exercises, including meditation and guided imagery. These are fewer therapies and more techniques in multiple therapy practices, especially DBT. They are used primarily to proactively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve an individual’s ability to be present.

How to Find a Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse and addiction disorders are among the toughest illnesses to treat. They create a supportive, judgment-free environment that provides patients with the resources they need on their recovery journey. An addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) helps people who have substance use disorders get treatment. They’re experts on the ins and outs of addiction and develop tailored treatment plans based on your specific addiction, needs and goals.

• This relationship, which involves a bond of respect, trust, and mutual collaboration, can play an important part in successful substance use disorder treatment.
• Once a patient decides to seek treatment, it’s important they are well equipped to avoid relapses.
• When all these concepts are incorporated together, a treatment plan is established.
• Professionals who work in substance abuse counseling also work to educate people about the effects and risks of drug and alcohol misuse.

Once these dysfunctions are identified, the patient can begin making important post-treatment plans. Addiction counseling can be found in almost all inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Many people’s first experience working with a substance use counselor will be at a local detox center or treatment program after coming to terms with their substance use problem. Specific job duties often vary depending on where professionals work and the type of support they offer. They often counsel individuals or groups to help people understand the factors contributing to addiction. Helping people develop new coping skills and ways of thinking is another important part of what substance abuse counselors do.