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Substance Abuse Counseling Theory

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used substance abuse counseling methods. According to experts at NIDA, there are a very wide variety of effective counseling methods and theories currently used in treatment centers throughout the United States. NIDA notes that some of the most long-standing and effective treatment theories are those used at leading treatment centers, such as The Betty Ford Clinic and The Hazelden Foundation.

  1. Dual Disorders Recovery Counseling

    • Dual Disorders Recovery Counseling (DDRC) is a counseling theory that offers combined treatment of substance abuse disorders and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this treatment is to help a patient achieve and maintain abstinence from the use of drugs or alcohol. By treating mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders at the same time, therapists can increase the incidence of relapse. This theory focuses on stabilizing psychiatric symptoms, resolving acute life problems such as emotional, social, family or occupational issues, and providing early intervention in the case of relapse.

    Relapse Prevention Therapy

    • According to NIDA, Relapse Prevention Therapy is a therapy designed to help clients avoid continued use of drugs or alcohol. This method aims to help clients understand their life patterns and relapse history in order to avoid future relapses. Clients construct a list of relapse warning signs and relapse prevention skills. Clients follow a structured recovery program to manage life stresses as they occur, and they also have a detailed early intervention plan in place in the case of relapse. This theory places a great deal of emphasis on successful recovery through management and prevention of relapse.

    Living in Balance Approach

    • NIDA describes the Living in Balance Approach as a group treatment method that explores 36 major life topics related to substance abuse and recovery. Groups work together to discuss and explore the relationship between substance abuse and life issues such as sexuality, emotions, interpersonal relationships, money management, and educational and vocational development. This theory promotes the use of education, group processing, and communication skills to help clients abstain from substance use and prevent relapse.

    Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

    • According to NIDA, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a client-centered therapy that encourages the client to identify and use his own personal resources and strengths to resolve problems with substance use. This theory specifically focuses on the idea that problem drinking or drug use may be situational, and that substance use may be resolved when a client makes specific life changes. These life changes often include finding employment, ending or beginning relationships, meeting new friends, or relocating to a new area. Treatment does not focus on the substance abuse, but rather on the client's specific life issues and personal goals.

    Twelve-Step Facilitation

    • Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) focuses on the 12 steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The 12-step process focuses on two main goals. First clients accept that they need to abstain from the use of drugs or alcohol. Second, they must have a willingness to engage actively in the 12-step process. The 12-step process emphasizes that willpower is not enough to maintain sobriety, and that group consciousness and spiritual renewal are key to long-term recovery.

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