Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Understanding The Complex Roles Of A Substance Abuse Counselor

By Harriett Crosby


Dealing with substance abuse is never easy. This feat requires steadfast determination, genuine desire and professional help. Counseling is an essential part to any program that helps individuals who have become dependent to controlled drugs, alcohol and the likes. A substance abuse counselor Pasadena is vital to the success of such programs. More than understanding the client's needs, there are several other considerations that the professional must take into account.

The detoxification process is necessary to eliminate the substances that entered the body. This is usually the first step. However, substance elimination is not enough on its own. Physical dependence is just one aspect to be considered. There are social, emotional and psychological factors that can stimulate relapse as well. Counseling can help lower down the risks of the patients regressing.

The counselors will guide the patients in this arduous journey. It is not easy to walk away from the lifestyle one is used to. Too many times, the role of a counselor spans beyond helping a patient turn their back from substance abuse. They can also offer counsels pertaining to one's marriage, family or professional life. As all aspects in a person's life are interconnected, the counselor needs to cover every facet.

The counselors also try to understand why a person resorted to substance abuse. Only by understanding the reason would they be able to formulate the most effective program that could persuade the patient never to go back. Sometimes, the counselor also helps in straightening out broken relationships, dealing with traumatic experiences in the past or fixing an old issue.

The sessions also provide ongoing support to the patient as he goes along this long journey. Other than the family members and friends, it is best to have a professional who completely understands everything the patient has to go through. Leaving the patient helpless may cause frustration and breakdown. Premature help may be interpreted as rude intrusion, too.

Ultimately, the professionals help the patient recover. Aside from developing a program to convince one to quit, the counselors also educate their clients. They help one understand why he should quite addiction and never go back. They introduce coping mechanisms, communication skills, relapse prevention, problem-solving skills and stress management.

They work with the family members, too. Keeping a healthy relationship among family members can reinforce the program's efficiency. The process gets much easier when the patient realizes that he is not alone. Unfortunately, some family members may be unwilling or merely unaware. The counselor can be a big help in this case.

The counselors also have valuable connection to other professionals whose expertise are indispensable. Having been working in this field, they are pretty much familiar with available community resources that are helpful to their clients. This includes medical and psychiatric care, financial assistance, housing assistance, child care and vocational training to name a few.

The role of substance abuse counselor Pasadena is undeniably vital for the success of the program. As such, the state understandably maintains high-standards in providing accreditation. This field is streamlined throughout the country. Stringent procedures are in place in assessing the aspirants. Only qualified individuals are given appropriate recognitions.




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