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 serve as a guide throughout this grueling journey. Starting a new life dissimilar to the ones you used to have never comes easy. The professional provides help beyond just putting an end to addiction. They see to it that the patients stop for good. At times, they may also need to attend to the patient's profession, marriage and family. After all, the aspects of life are interconnected, so an issue with one will eventually lead to another.

Moreover, the professional delves deeper into the issue. They try to understand what propelled the patient into addiction. This is vital in designing a program. Unless the counselor understands why the patient did it, he may not find out how to convince the latter otherwise. At times, this may take fixing old problems, ironing out a severed relationship or dealing with a past trauma.

Counseling sessions provide constant support to the patients when they need this the most. Aside from friends and family members, a professional, who understands what the patient is going through, is indispensable. With the efforts the patients have to go through, it is easy to get frustrated and break down. A sincere help can easily be misinterpreted as an unwelcome intrusion.

On a deeper sense, the professionals create programs that aid in the client's recovery process. The counselors help the patients understand why it is necessary not to go back to substance abuse. They educate the patients on stress management, coping mechanisms, relapse prevention, communication skills and problem-solving skills.

The counselor is also responsible in dealing with the family members. It is crucial to keep a healthy relationship with one's family in this difficult time. This can help in the recovery process. A person can recover much easily when he realizes he is not alone. The professional sees to it that the family members do their part.

Aside from counseling, the patient may also need vocational training, financial assistance, child care, housing assistance, medical care and psychiatric care. As a professional, the counselor also knows a handful of specialties in other fields. They are quite familiar with the community resources to ensure that the patient gets all the help he needs.

Due to the profound roles of a substance abuse counselor Pasadena, it is not surprising that the state remains watchful with this profession. The certification process is streamlined throughout the country. Each region implements specific guidelines in assessing an aspiring counselor's qualification. Official recognition is only provided to worthy individuals to maintain high standards.




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