Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem capable of bringing forth numerous adverse consequences. Therefore, those committing to breaking the cycle of dependency are often willing to utilize all possible forms of treatment. One such therapy is counseling.
The Substance Abuse Counseling Process
Addiction counseling is divided into several sub-categories such as individualized, group, and family components.
Individualized counseling occurs on a one-to-one basis between a trained addition counselor and their patient. Group counseling is led by a mediator and includes a collection of recovering dependents meeting together. Family counseling involves the healing subject and their close relations undergoing counsel from an addition specialist.
Regardless of the specific type participants learn to identify the underlying reasons they began using and ultimately became dependent upon drugs or alcohol. Moreover, persons under counsel also receive instruction about making better informed decisions, in addition to identifying coping mechanisms and more positive and productive stress-busting techniques.
Reasons Counseling Could Prove Beneficial
Researchers have concluded that counseling could yield certain notable benefits such as:
Identifying Triggers
While reviewing the reasons one used, they might also be able to pinpoint the specific triggers typically resulting in their substance or alcohol intake. These spark plug events can vary from person to person. However, common triggers include:
- Various forms of stress
- Past trauma
- Abuse
- Current or former broken relationships
- Specific environments
In some cases, association with unscrupulous individuals set off one’s desire to imbibe.
Manage Cravings
Those in recovery must face continual mental cravings. Cravings are strong urges tempting an individual to once again use the substance they were addicted to. Counselors can help healing souls establish healthy and fruitful ways of managing such cravings.
Reducing Relapse Possibility
Addiction treatment specialists have concluded that recovering dependents undergoing counsel are less likely to experience future slip-ups or relapses. Moreover, said subjects are often able to maintain sobriety without other complications.
Improving Old Or Existing Relationships
A fair percentage of recovering addicts struggled to maintain healthy relations with family, friends, and other close associations while they were using. This is because dependents more than likely broke the trust such individuals had in them and engaged in detrimental behaviors.
That said, drug counselors often prove effective in teaching ex-users how to mend fences and reestablish good terms with those they might have been at prior odds with. This is especially true of those partaking in family counseling.
Creating New Relationships
Persons enrolling in group therapy often meet a whole new set of friends and acquaintances. Furthermore, such associations are usually themselves recovering dependents who understand the experiences, emotions, and feelings that the improving individual is dealing with. This often helps such persons forge strong bonds and establish new and long-lasting friendships.
Finding A Support System
Recovering addicts without a close-knit family or group of friends often feel alone and isolated. Counselors often serve as safe and trustworthy confidants those conquering dependency can rely on to help shepherd them through the challenges and potential pitfalls that the recovery process might present.
Developing New Attitudes
Those who seek counseling often adopt new attitudes and belief systems. In many cases, the former user’s values change and they place greater emphasis on positive thinking, healthy living, and partaking in productive activities.
Addressing Co-Existing Mental Health Disorders
Researchers have found that persons subjected to counseling often witness an improvement of other co-existing mental health disorders such as phobias, anxiety, and depression. Said medical professionals believe that the root causes of substance abuse and mental health conditions are often similar and treating one could yield success in addressing the other.
Who Are The Most Suitable Candidates For Drug Counseling?
For certain recovering individuals, counseling is a major and possibly the only therapeutic protocol used in their treatment. Such strategies most benefit those that:
Have Not Hit Rock Bottom
Counseling often benefits persons that are aware they have a problem but have not yet suffered any ultra serious consequences.
Lack Medical Coverage
More advanced outpatient treatment might prove a bit pricey for those lacking private insurance.
Possess Numerous Responsibilities
Those holding down a demanding job, community obligations, and familial responsibilities might not possess the time needed to devote to a more intensive outpatient program.
Contacting Us
Drug counseling is often an important undertaking for individuals attempting to beat a substance or alcohol dependency. Persons plagued by such demons are encouraged to reach out to us.
Our facility is located in the Boston suburbs and we can proudly say that we have helped many in New England and beyond successfully complete treatment and make a triumphant return to civilian life. Call us at 833.970.2054.
