Understanding Drug Counseling: Support & Recovery

Drug addiction affects not just the addict but loved ones as well. Often addicts feel alone and misunderstood with nowhere to turn. Drug counselors are specially trained to help addicts via a variety of different methods.

What Is It?

• The United States Department of Labor states that substance abuse counselors help addicts identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Although the therapy is done on an individual basis, group therapy and family members are also involved.

Goal

• According to drugabuse.gov, the goal of drug counseling is to create in addicts their own motivation to want to change as well as to play a crucial role in working alongside the counselor to create a plan for change. Oftentimes, drug counselors who have been through and conquered drug addiction themselves tend to have a greater impact on clients.

Individual Counseling

• Drug counselors strive to get addicts to change their way of thinking about certain situations or "triggers." These are events or stressors that prompt a desire to use drugs. Counselors help clients formulate ways to work through the triggers without using drugs.

Group Therapy

• Group therapy is a vital component of drug therapy, as addicts typically feel alone in their plight to stop using drugs. Counselors have the individuals "share" their personal angst and stories with others, with the hope that clients will develop a sense of belonging.

Family Therapy

• Another crucial role of drug counseling is working with loved ones of the addict. Counselors give tips to loved ones and the client to smooth the transition back into drug-free living.