Eradicating Substance Abuse

When a person cannot find their way out of substance abuse, they require the services of a professional substance abuse counselor. This may be the only treatment a person receives if their substance abuse is manageable, or it may be part of a substance abuse rehabilitation plan in more extreme cases of substance abuse. A counselor who specializes in substance abuse is highly proficient in their counseling emphasis. They are trained to respectfully probe their clients to discover the underlying causes of their substance abuse and then help them create a plan for recovery by practicing mentally healthy lifestyle choices.

The first thing a counselor does when they are assessing a new client is ask them questions and get them to talk about themselves. A substance abuse counselor cannot assess why their client is abusing substances unless they have a clear picture of their lifestyle, their circumstances and their past. They do not ask invasive questions or guide their client's responses, but simply point them in the direction of what to discuss and reveal. Substance abuse counselors are trained to interpret their client's behaviors, thought processes, actions and statements to gain an understanding of why they abuse substances.

The substance abuse counselor then applies their understanding of their client to a recovery plan for them. Every person's recovery plan is individualized to meet their unique needs. This is where the counselor's training and expertise is most valuable. The counselor identifies the harmful patterns that their client has been perpetuating and uses their knowledge to advise how they can reverse them. A path of recovery is laid out through mental exercises, positive self talk and goal setting, which the client will embark on with the support of their counselor. Mental health solutions are not common sense, and the advice of an expert can mean the difference between substance abuse recovery and substance abuse relapse. If you are struggling with a substance abuse problem and you do not know where to start in your recovery, seek the help of a professional substance abuse counselor to begin formulating your treatment plan.

Realizing that you need substance abuse treatment is always a difficult awakening. Admitting that you need help to yourself and to others makes a person feel vulnerable. However, there is nothing to fear, as excellent quality substance abuse treatment is available to you. Throughout North America, there are a number of substance abuse treatment facilities that are highly experienced in treating cases of substance abuse. Inpatient rehab is the most effective method for severe substance abuse cases, and there are many other treatment options available for individuals who have less severe cases of substance abuse.

Good quality substance abuse treatment is accessible, but it is important to know how to be selective about which facility to choose. There are well run treatment centers and less reputable treatment centers. The well run centers will have more staff people than clients. This ensures that clients get the individual attention that they need. Treatment material should be organized around your personal mental health needs. The treatment program should offer both individual counseling and group therapy to address personal issues as well as common issues. Clients should have limited access to the outside world, but should also be able gain permission to participate in outside events and see members of their support system. The meal plans should be nutritious and balanced, and an exercise regimen should be implemented. The center should offer the clients ongoing access to recovery resources, such as counseling, support groups, sponsors and meetings.

Substance abuse treatment is an investment in your future, so choose your treatment plan wisely. Do not settle for a program that does not offer you the individualized care that you require for a successful recovery. Some substance abuse treatment facilities have inadequate operating budgets and most of the attention to detail slips through the crack due to under-staffing and over booking of clients. Make sure that the rehab you select is concerned for you as a person and is willing to suit your treatment plan to your personal needs.