Substance abuse extensively impairs the quality of life so let’s review what should be done for Addiction Counselling.
Depending upon the substance(s) abused and how long they were abused, the traumas to the body include damage to the brain circuits and reduced cognitive capacity.
An effective recovery plan covers all aspects of drug dependence and addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and support groups that help the affected persons return to a normal lifestyle, on an individual basis.
Table of Contents
Detoxification process
It is the process of removing toxins from the body, in a controlled and comfortable environment.
The basic steps followed for the complete and successful recovery of the person are as follows:
- The individual is first evaluated for the details of substance/substances abused, quantities in the body, and the medical and mental status of the person.
- During stabilization, they are directed to abstinence and sobriety with the use of medications and counselling. They may develop withdrawal symptoms of variable intensity, which are also managed with medications.
- Rehabilitation comes after the detox and stabilization. Rehab is the treatment of addiction and promotes independence from drugs. It includes counselling sessions and support groups.
Detox is the first step in recovery from addiction, but rehabilitation is also an essential component.
Without a drug rehab, the person may go back to the original substance abuse since there would be no direction for them to follow.
The continuum of care does not end with detox and rehab – it’s a lifelong process of recovery and personal growth. In many cases, rehab centers play a critical role in providing ongoing support and resources to individuals striving to maintain their sobriety.
They offer a safe environment where people in recovery can find mutual support, engage in therapy sessions, and access educational programs to help them rebuild their lives and avoid relapse.
Addiction Counselling
Addiction counselling encompasses individual counselling, family counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and multiple other types of supports.
These sessions regardless of the type of therapy, guide the individual how to overcome the challenges of recovery and into learning back the way of life.
Even after going through the tough phases of detoxification, the risk of relapse is existent.
These sessions guide individuals to stay on the path of recovery.
These counselling sessions take the addiction as a whole with the underlying reasons and problems that led to the addiction in the first place and assist the individuals in handling them.
The therapists or counsellors deal with each patient separately and at individual perspectives, setting realistic goals and providing facilitation to achieve those goals.
This gives the individuals the needed boost to realize their self-worth and a better understanding of themselves.
It also gives them healthier skills to become self-dependent, deal with cravings, offset triggers of relapse, and encourage responsibility and commitment.
Types of Addiction therapy
There is no one-size-fits-all method of addiction counselling.
It is usually a combination of counselling sessions, individualized to the needs of the person that give the best outcomes in recovery.
This multi-faceted approach focuses more on the guidance and support than the substance involved as seen in detoxification.
The most common types of therapies are discussed here.
Behavioral therapy
The main goal here is to identify the unhealthy behaviors that lead to the development of dependence and addiction, and focus on converting these into healthier and efficient behaviors.
The drug addiction gives a kind of false euphoria, which makes them think of it as a benefit despite all the adverse effects.
The counsellors use different approaches to re-built self-realization and self-motivation to be able to choose what’s better for them.
These include assertive training, relaxation training, functional analysis, exposure, and planning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT is quite extensive and is done in all sorts of addictions and behavioral disorders.
CBT centers on the thinking process of the individuals, helping them realize the negative patterns of thinking and feeling, while at the same providing them with positive feedback reinforcement.
Contingency management therapy
In a controlled setup, a reward system functions to give positive incentives in response to positive behaviors and maintaining sobriety.
Motivational interviewing
The focus is on everyday motivations that may be available in the form of family, love, and passions.
These motivations keep them going to the better path and prevent de-railing.
Community programs
Narcotics and alcoholics programs have a stepwise abstinence development setup.
These also bring into use the medications sometimes to control the cravings and withdrawal, in addition to simultaneous supports to wean them off medicines.
Couples and family therapy
Addiction counselling is for all affected by addictive behavior.
It can be the individual themselves or their families who have distressed from their addiction.
The social factors or the past actions that may be troubling and making it uncomfortable for the affected persons to continue towards recovery are dealt with to make the process easier and effectual.
Moreover, it gives the family members and close friends a chance to truly show their support for the people undergoing rehabilitation.
Family sessions bring a positive and healthier emotional change to the relations.
Individual vs. group therapy
While both options have their benefits, it’s the needs of the individual case that the therapists assess to make the decision.
Additionally, group sessions have the capacity of covering more ground; they give the perspectives of a multitude of people that are going through or went through the same experience.
Group sessions are more relatable but individual sessions are more private and focused.
Residential vs. outpatient treatments
This is again dependent on the individual case and the required outcomes.
Facilities that provide skill development and lifestyle modifications for maintaining abstinence require the patients to live there for weeks to months.
Outpatient setups are more open and common for maintaining sobriety.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation, support groups, and counselling are essential components of addiction recovery.
Multiple types of counselling sessions are available, individualized to the needs and requirements of each affected person.
Any counselling session is way better than no counselling for addiction.
Its absence may provoke the individual into going back to drug addiction since they have no further direction to follow.
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