Substance Abuse Treatment
Millions of Americans use illicit drugs every year. For those struggling with substance abuse, finding a treatment plan that works for you is the best first step towards recovery. When it comes to finding treatment for substance abuse, there are a lot of options available. It’s important to seek treatment that offers you structured support and help so that it’s easier for you to maintain sobriety. Substance abuse treatment is a good choice for anyone who has tried to quit drugs on their own but failed.
Understand that quitting drugs alone is difficult to do without a support system in place and substance abuse can have serious negative impacts on your life and the lives of your family. Seeking treatment for substance abuse is the best thing you can do for your own health and peace of mind. When you’re lost in the depths of substance abuse, it may seem difficult or impossible to get out, but with dedication and hard work, recovery is possible.
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is when someone uses an illicit drug or uses a prescription drug in a way that was not intended or in a harmful manner. Substance abuse differs from addiction in that people who abuse substances can more easily quit or stop their harmful behavior. On the other hand, addiction is a disease and those who are struggling with addiction are unable to stop using a substance even when it causes them harm. Over time, substance abuse can lead to addiction, which means it’s absolutely essential to get treatment as soon as possible.
Substance abuse becomes a problem when your drug use starts interfering with your daily function. Some people turn to drugs to cope with issues at work or in their personal lives, while others may use drugs to find relief from the symptoms of mental illness. Over time, people with substance abuse problems may skip out on responsibilities in order to use drugs instead. In the long term, it can ruin your health and your relationships This is a major sign that treatment is necessary.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance abuse counseling is one treatment option that has helped many people start on the road towards recovery. During substance abuse counseling, the client attends counseling sessions. Usually, these sessions are weekly, but sometimes, they are more or less often depending on your individual case. During substance abuse counseling sessions, you have a safe space to talk about your struggles with drugs and open up about why you started using drugs. The goal of these sessions is for you to gain more insight into your drug habits and learn to replace them with healthier behavioral patterns. You may be able to learn better coping mechanisms for dealing with problems like stress, anxiety, and depression, and you’ll be able to see if there are any underlying issues, like mental illness that may be hindering your recovery.
Substance abuse counseling will likely continue for at least a few months. Many people see counseling as such an effective tool that they may continue the sessions so that they continue to have a supportive environment even after they’ve tackled their drug problem. Continuing counseling can ensure that you are able to stay sober despite the temptation of returning to drugs.
Substance Abuse Counselors
A substance abuse counselor is someone who is trained and certified to help you overcome your drug-related struggles. They will lead your counseling sessions, offer help and advice, and guide you in your self-discovery. Substance abuse counselors hold, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree, though many hold master’s degrees. They also receive specialized training so that they understand the latest and most effective treatment techniques, and get any certifications required by the state.
When looking for a substance abuse counselor to work with, you may want to speak with a few different options over the phone so you can understand what each can offer you. Your relationship with your counselor should be built on mutual trust and respect. It’s important to find a counselor who you click with because you’ll be sharing a lot of personal details and information about your life. A counselor understands what you’re going through and always wants the best for you.
Some counselors offer talk therapy, which allows you to talk about your concerns and problems. These therapists may offer advice or help you spot unhealthy patterns in the way that you think and act. Other counselors may offer cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. CBT can help you identify your negative thoughts and behaviors, build coping skills, and find healthier alternatives.
Substance Abuse Evaluation
During your first session with a substance abuse counselor, you’ll likely go through a substance abuse evaluation. During this evaluation, your counselor will talk to you in-depth about your physical and mental health history and your family history and will learn as much as they can about your drug use. They aim to learn about any underlying health conditions, either physical or mental, that may be contributing to your drug use, and to see if there may be a genetic factor in your use as well.
This evaluation will require you to be totally honest about all aspects of your drug use, so it’s best to prepare yourself and find a counselor with who you can be open. Your best chance at long-term sobriety requires you to put your trust in your counselor and the treatment process. After you get your initial substance abuse evaluation, you and your counselor will likely discuss a treatment plan and work on setting goals for your recovery.
Addiction Treatment Near Me
Finding addiction treatment locally can make it easier for you to attend counseling sessions and stay on track with your recovery goals. Spend some time looking over local options to get a good idea of what each treatment option offers their patients and keep in mind details like location, what insurance they take, and what kind of counseling they offer.
Sources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics
