Anyone who is truly serious about fighting back against substance abuse needs a team of support. Overcoming addiction is tough, but it’s easier and safer if you have professional help. A substance abuse counselor can be a partner, a confidant, and a source of advice. Explore the role of a counselor in substance abuse rehab.
Assess Clients and Their Addictions
The first job of a substance abuse counselor is to assess incoming clients and their needs. Every individual client is unique, which means that each client will need different types of medical care and behavioral support. When individuals arrive at rehab, counselors can start to oversee an intake assessment.
This might include a few family health questions as well as a brief medical exam. It might also include questions about substance abuse, dosage and how often individuals use a certain substance. With all of this information, counselors and rehab staff can create a more effective treatment plan for each client.
Lead Group Therapy Sessions
A big part of treating a substance abuse disorder is group therapy. In a group dynamic, clients can make progress and fight back against feelings of isolation. Many people struggle with loneliness, and they feel like no one understands their addiction. In reality, many people are going through a similar situation.
In group therapy, clients can build up their communication skills. They can also make new friendships, some of which will last a long time after rehab ends. This is a great way to feel less alone in the middle of recovery.
Meet With Clients in One-on-One Sessions
Substance abuse counselors also lead clients in one-on-one counseling sessions. This is key because many clients have specific issues that they need to discuss. Bringing up sensitive topics in a group environment isn’t easy. It’s much better to broach these topics in a one-on-one setting.
Sometimes, clients need to discuss mistakes in their past. Alternatively, they may want to talk about their regrets or even their worries about the future. Either way, it’s important that people have a space to talk about these issues with privacy and without judgment.
Coordinating Family Therapy Sessions
A substance abuse counselor can also be a kind of mediator or coordinator for families. Although just one person might be struggling with substance abuse, the rest of the family might also be having a hard time dealing with the situation. Of course, caring about someone who has addiction issues is tough in and of itself. Counselors can bring loved ones together, make it easier for them to communicate, and help them understand one another better.
Helping Clients Plan for Continuing Care
Substance abuse counselors play a key role in rehab, but clients need to continue their journey to recovery long after rehab is over. Fortunately, counselors can show clients how to prepare for that journey. Individuals can learn coping mechanisms for challenging situations, how to relieve stress in healthy ways, and how to relearn critical life skills.
Where You Might Interact With a Substance Abuse Counselor at Denver Recovery
At Denver Recovery, clients may meet with various counselors many times each day. Since holistic therapy is a big part of rehab, clients can expect individualized treatment methods and recovery plans. Times when clients might interact with counselors include the following:
- Case management sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Outdoor therapy and recreation activities
- Group therapy sessions
As a client in rehab, substance abuse counselors can be a great source of support. At Denver Recovery in Colorado, counselors work hard to help clients achieve total recovery. Call (844) 602-3175 to learn more about available rehab and recovery options.
