Understanding The Complex Roles Of A Substance Abuse Counselor

By Harriett Crosby


Putting an end to substance abuse is never easy. To be successful, this requires professional help, steadfast determination and genuine desire. Counseling is a vital part to an effective program that help individuals, who are dependent on alcohol, drugs and other substances. As such, the services of a substance abuse counselor Pasadena is quite invaluable. They take into account all important factors that can help the patients quit.

The detoxification process is necessary to eliminate the substances that entered the body. This is usually the first step. However, substance elimination is not enough on its own. Physical dependence is just one aspect to be considered. There are social, emotional and psychological factors that can stimulate relapse as well. Counseling can help lower down the risks of the patients regressing.

The counselors will guide the patients in this arduous journey. It is not easy to walk away from the lifestyle one is used to. Too many times, the role of a counselor spans beyond helping a patient turn their back from substance abuse. They can also offer counsels pertaining to one's marriage, family or professional life. As all aspects in a person's life are interconnected, the counselor needs to cover every facet.

They also delve deeper into the reasons that compelled the patient to abuse the substances. To come up with an effective program, they need to understand why a person resorted to alcohol or drug in the first place. This may include dealing with past trauma, fixing old issues or ironing out severed relationship.

The sessions also provide ongoing support to the patient as he goes along this long journey. Other than the family members and friends, it is best to have a professional who completely understands everything the patient has to go through. Leaving the patient helpless may cause frustration and breakdown. Premature help may be interpreted as rude intrusion, too.

Furthermore, the professional creates a program for his client. This is aimed to help the patient recover quickly and easily. They make the patients realize the ill-effects of substance abuse. They are made to understand why they needed to stop. They are also taught problem-solving skills, communication skills, relapse prevention, stress management and coping mechanisms.

They work with the family members, too. Keeping a healthy relationship among family members can reinforce the program's efficiency. The process gets much easier when the patient realizes that he is not alone. Unfortunately, some family members may be unwilling or merely unaware. The counselor can be a big help in this case.

The counselors also have valuable connections to other professionals who can help the patient. Besides counseling, the patient may also require psychiatric care, medical care, housing and financial assistance, child care or vocational training. As someone who knows the ins and outs of this field, a counselor knows where to seek professional help from.

Given the profound responsibilities of a substance abuse counselor Pasadena, it only makes sense that its practice is streamlined by the state. Each region has its own rules for qualifying an individual aspiring to become a counselor. Stringent rules and procedures are in place before official recognition is given to anyone interested. This is the only way to upkeep quality service and maintain high standards.




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