Setting out competencies for counselors working with people in or considering recovery. Counselors need to take into account a range of sociocultural considerations when assessing and working with clients in or seeking recovery, which requires cultural responsiveness and an awareness of treatment barriers and inequities stemming from sociocultural substance abuse counseling factors. Also, as with other chronic diseases, some people need and continue taking medication for years to manage their disease. Remaining on medications for problematic substance use for long periods is often part of successful management of the disease. Medication offered in coordination with the clinician and support of counselors.
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Finally, helping clients develop strong relationships with family and social connections will assist them as they navigate challenges related to problematic substance use. Counselors should have the information and resources available to inform and educate clients about how they can maintain stable housing, develop essential life skills, including financial literacy, and create long-lasting relationships with family and friends. Counselors should also connect clients with a case manager or social worker to assist with additional housing needs. Encouraging clients to increase their physical activity through exercise sessions. By connecting clients to opportunities for structured exercise sessions, counselors can encourage clients to exercise regularly, while they receive social support in the process. These activities can also create a measure of accountability, which may increase motivation for clients to exercise.
Treatment and recovery options
- The assessment includes clinical interviews, standardized assessment tools, and possibly physical examinations.
- Studies show family therapy results in lower relapse rates, increased happiness in the family, and helps children of addicted parents manage their situation.
- Thus, clients are left with their own arguments for why they may want to change.
Outlined below are steps counselors can take to help clients receive healthcare services that meet their personal needs. If you are learning about the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ field, we suggest starting with the basics. Now that you have a better understanding of how to become a substance abuse counselor, we invite you to browse frequently asked questions from behavioral health counseling students about what SUD counselors do, where they work, and other general information about counseling as a career.
Couples and Family Therapy
It may help to get an independent perspective from someone you trust and who knows you well. You can start by discussing your substance use with your primary care provider. Or ask for a referral to a specialist in drug addiction, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, or a psychiatrist or psychologist. After discussion with you, your health care provider may recommend medicine as part of your treatment for opioid addiction. Medicines don’t cure your opioid addiction, but they can help in your recovery.
Empowering paths to recovery and healing.
- Mutual-support groups for families are also an effective and evidence-based approach for supporting families of people who have problematic substance use.
- Addictions counselors assess, diagnose, collaborate, and create treatment plans.
They are largely based on self-awareness and modification of thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Volunteering occupies free time with satisfying activities that turn the volunteer’s attention outward. Regular volunteering builds self-respect as the volunteer makes a positive contribution and becomes valued by the organization and fellow volunteers. Volunteering can help develop new skills, structure time, expand social networks, broaden horizons, and give a sense of purpose.
Having the client sign releases to have family members and recovery supports involved. Summarize the client’s experience and understanding of the problem; values, hopes, dreams, and goals; ambivalence about treatment and change; and action steps for change. Resisting retraumatizing people in recovery by working to provide a supportive environment and examining language. People who use drugs, practice moderation in their recovery, or take MOUD (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) benefit from the community aspect of mutual-help meetings but may not always feel welcome. Though not always widely available, there are many opportunities—some in person, but mainly digital. Secular mutual-help meetings embrace a clear separation from any religious or spiritual framework; however, these programs do not discourage engagement in religious or spiritual activities.
What are the principles of effective treatment?
Addiction Counseling
