Counseling Techniques for Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is one of the largest and ever-growing mental-health issues in the United States. Scores of patients are seen daily in emergency rooms seeking detoxification. What follows is a description of counseling techniques for those seeking help in ridding themselves of active addiction and taking the first step toward a drug-free lifestyle. Drug abuse and addiction are serious medical as well as mental and emotional issues and should be treated as such. To take the situation lightly is to risk serious harm to the addict and his or her loved ones.

In-Patient Detoxification

• Not all drugs of abuse will require in-patient detox and, as was bound to happen, many insurance companies will simply no longer cover this aspect of treatment. Years of abuse of the in-patient treatment system followed by chronic relapse have resulted in the closure of many centers, and the privatization of many others.

  That said, there are certain substances that one should absolutely seek medical help with, and an emergency room is the best place to start if you have no other way to pay. Don't worry about embarrassment or judgments; they've seen it all before. Keep in mind that if you present yourself at an emergency department, they must treat you or at least stabilize you.

  Substances that absolutely require medical attention during the detox phase are alcohol, benzodiazapenes (that is, Valium, Xanax, Atavan and other benzo-based anti-anxiety medications) and methamphetamine. The detoxification from these substances can cause medical crises, including seizures, that can be life-threatening. Opiate/narcotic withdrawal is also extremely difficult to attempt on an out-patient basis, particularly with no medication; it is advisable to seek medical assistance with this withdrawal as well. The bottom line is, if you feel that you need medical assistance with your withdrawal, seek it. Be utterly honest with the staff and physicians at the emergency room.

Counseling

• Whether it is in-patient (rehab) or outpatient, once the addict has detoxed, a counseling model based on abstinence is usually advisable. Group sessions on a daily basis, supplemented by individual sessions with a counselor and psychiatric supervision for those that might have mental health issues in addition to addiction are used.

  It is generally accepted by the AMA that addiction is a disease that is progressive and most times fatal if not arrested. It can, however, be treated, with abstinence being the primary goal.

  In counseling sessions, coping skills, anger management, appropriate expression of feelings (and learning to identify those feelings), and breaking the relapse cycle are all used to help the newly recovering addict learn to deal with life without chemicals.

  When appropriate, family counseling may also be used. It is agreed that addiction is a family disease, affecting not just the addict but all those around him or her. In family sessions, the people closest to the addict are given the opportunity to not only express their feelings regarding the addict's behaviors and his or her illness, they are shown their part in it, including enabling, and taught ways to heal.

Support Groups

• Most counseling programs strongly advise the outside use of 12 Step Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous as an adjunct to clinical counseling. These groups provide support, socialization and fellowship to the newly recovering addict, and they are an integral part of getting and staying clean and sober. It is suggested that the newcomer find a sponsor---a member with a year or more clean time with a working knowledge of the 12 steps---to guide them through the steps and help them navigate the often tricky waters of new recovery. Attending daily meetings for the first 90 days is also strongly advisable.

  Whatever method the addict chooses, getting and remaining clean is a huge and difficult decision, but it is possible. Thousands of men and women get and stay clean every day with the proper support and a firm resolve. It must be remembered that addiction is a disease; staying clean is not so much about willpower as it is about following suggestions from people who have already been down the path, and keeping the commitment at the forefront.