The Important Role Played By A Substance Abuse Counselor Pasadena

By Harriett Crosby


Many people suffering from substance abuse issues in Pasadena can use the services of a drug abuse counselor. Counseling is effective in remedying mental health problems and the erratic behaviors associated with drug addiction, alcoholism and addition to pain relievers among others. The negative repercussions on the legal and personal side are a great hindrance to any addict. By consulting with a substance abuse counselor Pasadena residents can receive treatment that can help them meet their recovery goals.

A counselor first evaluates the current physical and mental health of an individual and then studies the addictive traits and the attitude of the patient towards getting treated. After this, the counselor develops a treatment plan for the individual and identifies any behavioral trait that may interrupt the process of treatment and recovery. This professional can also recommend several treatment options to the relatives of the patient and help them develop workable solutions to deal with the addiction problem at home.

Drug abuse counseling combines behavioral and pharmacological treatment to address the problem. Counselors may work in research facilities, hospitals, education centers, private practice clinics, drug rehabilitation centers, detoxification centers and detention centers. Their purpose is to find the main cause of the addiction and help clients progress into sobriety through counseling.

Counselors usually develop personalized treatment plans depending on the cause of the problem. Drug abuse treatment may combine contingency management, motivational interactions, family counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Professional counseling can help substance abusers gradually appreciate the fact that their addiction is affecting their lives and those of people around them.

Counselors also help patients also realize that their cases are not unique. Counseling provides strong support and opens up opportunities for patients to confront their situations instead of denying the problem or blaming others as they try to rationalize their behavior. It helps them identify their addiction related behavioral patterns and confront emotional and behavioral issues that they be hindering their progress. Some sessions are easier than others but progress comes with each counseling session.

A counselor also works jointly with family members of a patient who is undergoing treatment. The family gets regular updates about the treatment options, drugs used and the rate of recovery of their family member. Research on substance addiction treatment shows that family bonding plays a key role in the rehabilitation of an addict. This happens because the family members also receive simultaneous education on preventing any relapse and promoting a great home environment.

It is possible that an addict might need additional healthcare or treatment for mental illness. The counselor helps family members arrange such additional treatments. Counselors can consult psychologists or psychiatrists, if they feel that the addition problem is caused by some underlying mental condition. They refer the patients to such specialists for relevant treatment if necessary. They can also recommend that a patient stays at an in patient residential center if it is found that such a treatment strategy would work best for him or her.

Counselors always seek to make treatment decisions that will help a patient recover. Their services play an important role in helping patients recover psychologically. After they consult with a substance abuse counselor Pasadena dwellers can find higher meanings in their lives, improve their relationships and live as productive citizens.




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