Is A Substance Abuse Counselor Right For Me?

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox
Updated March 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention substance use-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support is available 24/7. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Please note that “substance abuse” and “substance dependence” are now referred to as “substance use disorder” per the DSM-5.

If you find that you have trouble controlling your use of certain substances, then you may have a substance use disorder. This is a serious disorder that can affect your life and that of your family members in negative ways. That's why it can be important for you to seek treatment and get the professional help you deserve in a timely manner. 

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder can be characterized by a dependence on any addictive substance. This might include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol use. 

According to the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration, such use results in “clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.” Addiction counselors work to develop treatment plans based on each individual’s experience with substance use behavioral disorder (formerly substance abuse behavioral disorder). It can be helpful to find a drug counselor whom you click with and whom you feel understands your experiences with drug use to improve addiction counseling outcomes. 

Note that these counselors are sometimes referred to as substance abuse counselors, but phrases like “substance abuse,” “drug and alcohol abuse,” and “drug abuse” are not used by today’s mental health centers.

Do I have substance use disorder?

It can be difficult to admit that you are experiencing substance use disorder. Few people want to think of themselves as having an addiction, mainly because of the bleak picture that mainstream media often paints of people who live with addictions. In this light, it may seem as if people with these disorders are doomed to a life of failure. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case.

If this use has cost you friends or loved ones, then there may be a problem that needs to be addressed. Moreover, if you find yourself having a hard time getting through the day without alcohol, drugs, or medication, then you likely have a substance use disorder. The exception may be if you have a diagnosed condition that requires the use of medication. Still, it can be possible to misuse prescription medication as well, so if you are using the prescription medication in any way other than prescribed by a doctor, this can also be a sign of a possible this disorder. 

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Millions of Americans live with substance use disorder

Types of substance abuse counselors

Trained professionals with a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in mental health are available to help with these concerns. You can ask your addiction counselor (previously referred to as a substance abuse counselor) where they’re licensed and what level of education they’ve received during your first session. This can help addiction counselors understand what your priorities are while educating yourself about their experience. 

One type of counseling for substance use disorder may be individual therapy. With this type of therapy, you and your therapist are usually the only people present during sessions. This can allow you to be the sole focus of the session and interact with the therapist the way you see fit.

Group therapy may be another option when it comes to getting treatment. With this type of therapy, you may be in a setting with other people who are also experiencing problems with use. This type of therapy can enable you to get and give support; each person in the group typically understands what the others in the group are going through and how the recovery process feels.

The process of quitting and how addiction counselors help

Quitting any kind of addictive substance can be difficult. In some cases, it can also be a dangerous process. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to speak with your doctor about your plan to quit before you implement it. A medical professional may prescribe you medications that can help with the detoxification process.

Stopping anything that you may be addicted to without supervision or a gradual weaning process (which can be impossible to do properly in a home setting) can be dangerous because it may cause a shock to your system. With medical intervention, you can get through the detox process in an easier and safer way.

Therapy can help

Seeking therapy can be another important step to resolving these issues. Whether you decide to proceed with individual therapy or group therapy, there can be many benefits of having a professional to talk to about what you're experiencing and how it's affecting you. 

When the detox process is over, you'll have stopped using the substance entirely. The focus then redirects to helping you stay on that path. If you've gone through the process of detoxification and quitting, it can be vital that you avoid drinking or consuming any kind of drugs. It is typically recommended that recreational use of drugs and alcohol be avoided. This can be difficult for someone who started out using alcohol or drugs as a social aid since it may mean finding new ways to interact with friends and peers. Still, ensuring you stay away from substances can be crucial to your overall health.

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Why you should quit

Quitting can be a challenge. You may ask yourself why you would even want to quit in the first place. Still, there may be many compelling reasons to quit using.  For example, substance use may have affected your relationships with friends and family, and it might have changed the way that you perform at your job as well. 

Misusing drugs can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, psychosis, and even death. In some cases, these negative effects can occur after just a single use. If you continue to use, you may increase your risk for conditions like heart disease, lung disease, cancer, mental illness, hepatitis, and more. Moreover, using needles may increase your risk for diseases like HIV and AIDS. 

Getting online treatment

If you're looking for a way to get the substance use disorder counseling that you deserve, you can start online. Online therapy can give you a better chance for success in some respects because it may keep you more comfortable than you would be in a typical therapist's office. If you’re like many people, you may not want to sit on an uncomfortable couch and talk about your feelings, for instance. You could also be experiencing feelings of shame and embarrassment regarding this use. With online therapy, you can conduct the session in a place where you feel more at ease, both physically and emotionally.

With online therapy, you may not have to compromise the quality of your care, either. Researchers have found that digital therapies can be effective in treating substance use disorder, particularly disordered alcohol use. 

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Millions of Americans live with substance use disorder

Takeaway

If you find that you’ve become reliant on certain substances or experience difficulty controlling your use, you may be living with a substance use disorder. It can be crucial to seek professional help in order to overcome addiction before it harms various aspects of your life. The help you deserve may be available in person or online. Reach out to BetterHelp today and get matched with an online counselor.

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