Information on Drug & Alcohol Counseling

The goal of drug and alcohol counseling is to treat drug addiction and alcoholism. Somebody who suffers from drug addiction or alcoholism depends on a given substance in order to function daily. Drug and alcohol counseling utilizes physiological, psychological, and societal ideas and theories to combat substance addiction.

Types

• Drug and alcohol counseling can be done individually or in group sessions. Counseling is a common outpatient treatment method.

Counselors

• Requirements to be a drug and alcohol counselor include holding a bachelor's degree and having two years of counseling experience. Battling addiction can be just as emotionally draining for counselors as the battle is for addicts. Counselors who become emotionally attached to patients can get very frustrated during a patient's relapse.

Emotion Management

• Managing emotions is important for successful drug and alcohol counseling. If the patient and counselor become friends, or if emotions are not correctly dealt with, the effectiveness of counseling can be compromised.

Plan of Action

• Counseling examines the kind of behavior which has resulted in the drug or alcohol addiction. Counselors encourage patients to change behavior to prevent relapse.

Additional Support

• Drug and alcohol counseling is only a part of drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Drug and alcohol counselors may recommend patients to other services like a family agency, a welfare agent, or doctor.