The Invaluable Service Of A Substance Abuse Counselor

By Harriett Crosby


It is never easy turning away from addictive substances. This requires genuine desire and steadfast determination. More importantly, this calls for professional help. Substance-dependent individuals need counseling to successfully eradicate drugs and alcohol from their system. An effective program always includes a substance abuse counselor Pasadena. The professionals do not only understand the client's needs. They also look into the other aspects throughout their recovery.

Depending on the substance and the individuals involved, the detoxification process may not be enough. Physical dependence is only one aspect to consider. Although detoxification removes the substances from a person's body, the patient may still have high risks of relapse. Emotional, psychological or social factors are too powerful stimuli that may cause the patients to regress. The patient may still need counseling.

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 patients can also find support in the counseling sessions. The help and assistance of friends and families are greatly appreciated. Notwithstanding, a professional who totally understands the patient's situation is critical. In this rough time, the patients easily break down with frustration. A sincere gesture of help can be easily misunderstood as rude intrusion.

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.

The counselor is also responsible in dealing with the family members. It is crucial to keep a healthy relationship with one's family in this difficult time. This can help in the recovery process. A person can recover much easily when he realizes he is not alone. The professional sees to it that the family members do their part.

Aside from counseling, the patient may also need vocational training, financial assistance, child care, housing assistance, medical care and psychiatric care. As a professional, the counselor also knows a handful of specialties in other fields. They are quite familiar with the community resources to ensure that the patient gets all the help he needs.

Due to the profound roles of a substance abuse counselor Pasadena, it is not surprising that the state remains watchful with this profession. The certification process is streamlined throughout the country. Each region implements specific guidelines in assessing an aspiring counselor's qualification. Official recognition is only provided to worthy individuals to maintain high standards.




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