Facts on Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance-abuse counseling is a twofold approach that begins with physical withdrawal of the drug, and then follows up with psychological counseling and rehabilitation. This approach is useful for alcohol, street drugs or prescription drugs.

Types

• There are various types of substance-abuse counseling, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the addiction, and also the potential for self-harm or harm to others during the withdrawal process. These types include in-patient, out-patient and retreat-style counseling approaches.

Features

• Professional abuse counseling utilizes not only talking therapy, but it also relies heavily on available medications that lessen the physical withdrawal symptoms the patient experiences. Some such medications include methadone for the management of opioid dependence and ibogaine for the treatment of a variety of addictions.

Function

• The main function of substance-abuse counseling is the reinforcement that the patient is able to function within the confines of society without having to rely on addictive substances. This requires a relearning of basic coping mechanisms, an understanding of deep-seated psychological problems that trigger addictive behavior, and a concerted effort to recognize opportunities and learn how to go after them.

Considerations

• When the patient progresses to such an extent that he is considered sober, it is vital to engage in relapse prevention. If the counselor fails to empower the patient to now be in charge of his own life without a therapist at his side, there is a good chance that a relapse to substance abuse occurs.

Famous Ties

• Heavy metal rocker and theatrical shock rock singer Alice Cooper used to be a hardcore alcoholic before he chose to dry out. He has not relapsed.