I’m Ready To Find Drug Counseling Near Me: Where Should I Start To Navigate My Addiction?

FAQs

What does it mean to be addicted?

“Addiction” is a word that seems simple but can cover a complex range of human experiences. Addiction involves a compulsive need for a substance, behavior, or activity, usually something that brings negative consequences.

The concept of addiction is commonly associated with alcohol and substance use, but in truth, you can become addicted to anything. For example, an emerging form of addiction is internet addiction: overuse of the internet for non-productive activities, usually social media or similar recreational sites, in ways that impede day-to-day functioning and health.

Other examples include gambling addictions and sex addiction. Some individuals experience addictions to having sex with other people, usually strangers, which can lead to STIs or other sexual consequences.

The line between a habit and an addiction can be blurred. A habit tends to form over time, and it can be good or bad. With a less intensive approach like cognitive behavioral therapy, you can change a negative habit. However, intense brain chemistry makes recovering from an addiction more difficult than changing a habit.

How long does it take to develop an addiction?

Every person is different, so the development of an addiction or substance use disorder varies by the individual. One person may drink alcohol on a regular basis but never develop a dependency, but another person might begin drinking alcohol and quickly develop an addiction.

Many factors contribute to the development of addiction:

• Age. A younger person’s brain is still developing, making them more vulnerable to addiction issues.
• Genetics. If a pattern of addiction exists among their biological relatives, a person is more likely to develop an addiction.
• Habit. The frequency and intensity of using a substance can affect whether an addiction develops.
• Environment. A person’s home life, especially during early years of life, can impact their behaviors related to substance use.

Substance use disorders can happen in a shorter timeframe than you might expect. It’s important to be aware of how easily addiction can develop.

Is addiction a disease or moral failing?

Although some people may consider addiction or substance use to be indicative of poor choices or moral failings, science confirms that addiction is a disease. Some personalities are naturally predisposed toward addiction, which means that a severe addiction can develop quickly. Even after someone begins seeking help for an addiction or substance use disorder, the cognitive patterns of this disease remain difficult to break.

Attempts to characterize addictions or substance use disorders as moral failings can be counterproductive or even destructive; judgmental attitudes and stigma may dissuade vulnerable individuals from seeking or admitting a need for help. No one should make someone else feel inferior or less worthy because of a struggle with a mental health disorder or issue. Anyone facing a substance use disorder or seeking mental health treatment deserves respect and support.

What is the role of an addiction counselor?

Addiction counseling involves helping those who have an addiction or substance use disorder. In general, addiction counseling involves building trust between the client and the counselor, so the client can express their emotions and experiences without feeling judged.

With a client’s permission, a drug counselor may speak with their family as well to create an emergency plan, but counseling is confidential. A counselor or therapist may employ several techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can reduce the link between addictive thoughts and habits. In addition, the counselor may evaluate a client’s thoughts, environments, people, or other concepts that trigger addictive cravings, especially during vulnerable states.

What does a drug therapist do?

A drug therapist works with a client to detox them of the drugs they are addicted to, then works with them to fight the addiction. Drug therapists may use different therapy techniques to change how one thinks and behaves in order to reduce cravings. Drug therapists also focus on relapse prevention.

What is the best therapy for substance use?

Substance use is treated through various forms of therapy. Therapists know that each person is unique and may need different therapies to aid in their recovery. Here are some therapies used:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a versatile, evidence-based form of therapy that explores the relationship between thoughts and habits. In the context of addiction therapy, CBT tends to involve the thoughts that may feed into addiction; changing thoughts can sometimes change habits, and vice versa.
• Dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) involves working to reduce the cravings one experiences, as well as their severity, through increasing emotional and cognitive regulation—balancing thoughts and feelings to avoid undesired behaviors.
• Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) involves a patient learning to think more rationally and positively to help change their emotions and thereby their behaviors.
• 12-step programs are quite popular and consist of meetings where individuals can meet anonymously to discuss their recovery journeys. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two such examples.

What is mental health counseling?

Mental health counseling is a field of emotional and mental wellness support. Mental health counseling can vary in terms of services provided and conditions treated. Here are several common types:

Anger Management

When someone struggles to control their anger, it can lead to severe problems and sometimes legal issues. Anger management helps develop coping skills and behavioral alternatives to lashing out. Meditation and other calming techniques may be used. Anger management may also explore possible underlying causes of anger, such as trauma. The goal of anger management isn’t to eliminate anger, a healthy emotion, but to teach clients to express it in a healthy, productive manner.

Marriage Counseling

Another popular form of mental health counseling is marriage counseling or couples counseling. Marriage counseling can be proactive to sustain a healthy relationship or responsive to problems that threaten the relationship. This type of counseling is generally conducted with both partners, but in some cases individual counseling may also be used.

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling is guidance from a Biblical perspective, often combining the beliefs of Christianity and advice offered by counselors. For Christian individuals in need of help, this type of counseling may be a good fit.

Experiential Therapy

This type of therapy offers various ways for clients to express themselves and their past experiences, such as acting, role playing, music, and visual arts. Creative expression can help a client gain clarity and generate solutions that they may not have considered before.

Drug Counseling

Usually located in treatment centers, this type of counseling seeks to help clients recover from dependence on addictive substances and avoid relapse. For a client, it often involves changing habits and being mindful of their surroundings.

What should a treatment plan include?

Usually, a treatment plan includes some form of detoxification, medication as necessary, and individual or group therapy, but the plan can vary depending on the individual. Someone with a mild addiction may not need detoxification, for example. Every case is unique.

How do you create a treatment plan?

When a person enters a treatment center, their counselor will develop a treatment plan. While these plans can vary widely, they often contain similar elements.

First, a licensed mental health professional called a drug therapist will help the client stop active substance use. This is sometimes called “detox,” short for detoxification. Some substances can be stopped through therapy alone, but withdrawal—physiological symptoms in response to stopping a substance’s use—can be dangerous and even deadly with some substances. A trained drug therapist will work carefully to make sure that the client is kept safe throughout this process.

Next, the drug therapist may use medication or therapy, or both, to help prevent substance cravings. A treatment plan will then include working with an addiction counselor and pursuing some form of mental health support to build the foundation for a long-term recovery.

Your first step should be to find treatment. Use a reputable treatment center locator to get started.

How can I become an addiction counselor?

Addiction counseling is a noble and rewarding career choice. You can help others through their most vulnerable times to achieve new beginnings! You should be aware, though, that becoming an addiction counselor is a long process. First, you’ll need a degree in counseling from an accredited four-year college or university. Depending on your region, you may also need a graduate degree. Next, you will need to work as an intern or counselor to earn supervised clinical hours and complete state and federal background checks. Then, you’ll need to pass a national or state licensing exam to earn certification as an addiction counselor. Once you have been certified, you may apply to work at a treatment center or other counseling firm, or you may choose to practice independently.

What is the main cause of drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a complex psychological and physiological issue that has no single cause. A person’s age, genetics, environment, personality, and family situation can all play a role. No matter the cause, it is important to remember that addiction and substance use do not change a person’s worth or humanity. If you are struggling with substance use, know that help is available.

How do you say “No” to drugs?

Well-meaning public service announcements used to depict “saying no” to drugs in unrealistic settings—for example, a drug dealer in an alley offering free drugs to teens, who simply told the dealer, “No,” and went on about their days. In real life, situations that can lead to addiction are often much more commonplace and unremarkable: prescriptions for narcotic pain relief, high-pressure work or school environments, unhealthy home or social environments, or underlying mental health issues like trauma, anxiety, and depression.

In any of these scenarios, resisting substance use is made easier by the healthy support of family and friends. Remain honest and open with the trusted people in your life, and offer each other support through your challenges and successes alike. If you know that you are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder—for example, because of a genetic predisposition—then you may also seek out proactive counseling with a mental health professional to look after your wellbeing.

What factors put students at greater risk of substance use?

Many students, especially teenagers, are at risk of developing substance use disorders. Several factors can put students at greater risk for abuse:

• Peer pressure: teenagers often try hard to impress others, which usually means conforming to or mimicking the behavior of their peers, even if it is harmful. Peer pressure can also apply at home if parents or family members use drugs.
• Home instability: households dealing with poverty, abuse, and other problems can put a student at greater risk of substance use issues.
• Stress: the pressures of school and extracurricular activities can weigh heavily on students. Also, student athletes who experience sport-related injuries may be prescribed medications that can foster dependence.
• Community issues: A community dealing issues of drug trade or substance use may increase the likelihood of its students’ developing addictions.