Addiction Counseling: How An Addiction Counselor Can Support Recovery & Mental Health
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Addiction counseling can make a significant difference in the lives of people with all types of addictions, including substance use disorder and behavioral addictions. This type of counseling is usually tailored to each person, but it often involves methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which may be supplemented by medication if a person experiences withdrawal symptoms. Addiction counseling may help people achieve lasting change and find freedom from behaviors that are affecting their mental health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more about addiction counseling and how it can support long-term recovery.
What is addiction (formerly “substance abuse”)?
The American Psychological Association defines addiction as “a state of psychological and/or physical dependence on the use of drugs or other substances, such as alcohol, or on activities or behaviors.” Addiction to a substance may qualify as a diagnosable substance use disorder, formerly called “substance abuse.”
Addictive behaviors can vary considerably and may include problematic gambling, sex, television, video games, or internet usage. The most effective type of treatment depends on the type of addiction as well as other individual factors.
How addiction is treated
The most effective treatment process for a person experiencing addiction typically depends on their situation. For example, some people who are addicted to a substance will require crisis intervention services and/or immediate hospitalization in order to ensure they are medically stable, especially as they go through withdrawal symptoms. Others may enroll in an inpatient treatment facility for substance use treatment (formerly “substance abuse treatment”), or receive outpatient or virtual treatment. In any case, in addition to medical care if needed, treatment for addiction usually involves some form of talk therapy as well as positive lifestyle changes.
What is addiction counseling?
Addiction counseling can help people at various stages of their recovery. Many people seek some type of counseling when they are in what’s called the contemplation stage. Others benefit from addiction counseling during the preparation, action, and/or maintenance phases. In other words, a person doesn’t have to feel totally ready for change to benefit from speaking with an addiction counselor.
Common methods used in addiction counseling
Addiction counseling can be adapted to the unique needs of each person. Below are some common types of therapy that an addiction counselor (formerly called a “substance abuse counselor”) may use for treating addiction.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely studied types of talk therapy. CBT may help individuals learn how to identify and replace negative thoughts that may be contributing to addictive behavior. Research also suggests that CBT can be effective for treating any comorbid disorders, such as depression, social anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Motivational interviewing
Addiction counselors may use motivational interviewing to assess a person’s reasons for wanting to change and bolster their motivation for doing so. During this client-centered approach, the therapist accepts the client where they are on their journey—including if that’s a stage of ambivalence about change. The therapist typically asks open-ended questions and explores the client’s reasons for wanting to change their behaviors as well as the strengths that may empower them to change.
Contingency management
Contingency management is a system that taps into a person’s reward system. With this method, people may receive a reward such as a gift card or an entry into a drawing for a monetary prize in exchange for achieving desired outcomes. These outcomes can vary for each person but may include counseling attendance or a negative urine test. Contingency management can be a way to help people build and maintain motivation to continue their recovery journey.
Group counseling for substance misuse (formerly "substance abuse”) or a behavioral addiction
Some people living with an addiction may benefit from group counseling. Group counseling is often tailored to people who experience a specific addiction, such as an addiction to alcohol, narcotics, opiates, or gambling. As such, these groups provide the opportunity to hear from and support people who are experiencing similar challenges. Many people in these groups are in the contemplation phase of recovery, so people in all stages can generally feel confident in attending.
Where to find an addiction counselor
Addiction counselors usually have a master’s degree plus specific, additional training and education in their field. Some licensed addiction counselors or social workers who provide addiction care practice in rehabilitation centers or hospitals with a unit for people experiencing an addiction. These counselors may provide both individual and group counseling for people admitted for substance use disorders. Other addiction counselors work in an independent practice. Some addiction counselors may also provide certain services virtually.
How an online mental health professional can help with treatment
Some people may prefer to begin treatment by speaking with an online therapist. With online therapy, individuals can speak with a licensed mental health professional via audio, video, or live chat. With BetterHelp, individuals can also contact their therapist between sessions through in-app messaging, and their therapist will reply as soon as they can. While online therapy isn’t always enough for comprehensive addiction treatment, as in-person medical and mental health care may be required in some cases, it can be an option or a supplement in certain situations.
In addition to providing flexible communication, online therapy has a robust record of effectiveness. For instance, one study suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can often be effective for treating substance use disorder, depression, social anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, among other disorders.
Takeaway
Addiction counseling can have a profound impact on a person’s recovery journey. The treatment plan can be tailored to each person’s symptoms and unique life challenges. Individuals who are experiencing an addiction can speak with an addiction counselor in person or online. Therapy can help not only with addiction but also with any co-occurring mental health conditions a person may be experiencing.
Does addiction counseling start immediately when you seek treatment?
The first step of the addiction treatment process may depend on the type and degree of addiction that a person is experiencing. For example, some people with severe physical dependence may require crisis intervention and medical treatment before counseling begins.
What methods does an addiction counselor use?
An addiction counselor can use a variety of methods depending on the needs of each person. For many people, addiction counselors use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In other cases, counselors might employ contingency management or motivational interviewing.
Where do addiction counselors work?
Addiction counselors can work in a variety of settings. Some work in rehabilitation centers or in hospitals with a behavioral health unit. Others might have an independent practice where they see clients for weekly or biweekly sessions.
What training do addiction counselors have?
The training for addiction counselors may vary according to the type of services they provide. Those who work in their own practice typically have at least a master’s degree to work as licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers. Some professionals in rehabilitation centers might have postsecondary education and training in leading recovery groups.
Is addiction considered a mental health condition?
Addiction to a substance may qualify as a substance use disorder per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Gambling disorder is also listed in the DSM-5, but other behavioral addictions aren’t typically included as unique disorders. There is still treatment available regardless of whether an addiction is listed in the DSM-5.
What therapy is most effective for addiction?
There could be many treatments that effectively serve individuals with substance use disorder. After a thorough assessment and evaluation of your symptoms, a substance use counselor (also known as a drug counselor) can recommend a specific treatment or individualized treatment plan. A course of cognitive behavioral therapy is often a foundation for successful rehabilitation. Ongoing case management could also be necessary to treat this chronic brain disease.
How many times do addicts relapse before quitting successfully?
Relapse is to be expected with addiction treatment. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, it can take five or six relapses before a person is able to successfully complete their treatment program and attain long-term sobriety. It could be important for families to be aware of this aspect of treatment. Of course, relapse is not a hard-and-fast law, and individual aspects of a person’s circumstances may affect their recovery.
What is the best way to remove addiction?
Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic illness, so it may not be possible to remove it completely. Instead, we can focus on applying evidence-based treatments and empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively cope with addiction.
What are the triggers for addiction?
There could be many possible triggers for the development of addiction as well as for relapse. Adverse childhood experiences, the availability of addictive substances, career/employment stress, and family responsibilities could all be triggers.
How do addicts battle their addiction?
People may battle addiction in different ways, but most need professional treatment for successful recovery. Some people seek residential treatment while others may engage in outpatient behavioral and mental health therapies. Peer and community support may be another option that can complement treatment.
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