What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

Substance abuse counselors work with people who are seeking treatment for various types of addictions. Substance abuse counselors may assist families with interventions, work with those just starting treatment or work with those actively in treatment or recovery. Substance counselors may work with those that are addicted to alcohol, heroin, prescription drugs, cocaine or inhalants.

Counselors may work in outpatient treatment centers, inpatient treatment centers, churches, community outreach centers, hospitals or doctor’s offices. Most substance abuse counselors have at least a two year degree in alcohol and drug counseling, and adhere to a certain philosophy of treatment. These philosophies range from 12-step programs to cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Substance abuse counselors may provide individual therapy or group therapy to addicts. Counselors attempt to get to the root of the problem and assist the addicts in discovering why they started using drugs. Also, counselors may assist the addicts in learning to cope with cravings, desires and the challenges of staying clean and sober. Counselors should have some degree of empathy, some street smart awareness, knowledge of drugs and effects of the drugs on a human body.

Training to become a substance abuse counselor may involve taking classes in medical terminology, physiological effects of alcohol, behavioral strategies, impulse control, trauma therapy and counseling techniques. Other important aspects of substance abuse counseling training involve learning CPR and first aid. This can aid the counselor in dealing with medical emergencies related to overdose or withdrawal symptoms.

Substance abuse counselors may also choose a specialty population. Counselors may work with veterans, adolescents, homeless, mentally ill or the elderly. Along with knowledge of substance abuse they will have to specific knowledge about the population and how to properly assist them in changing themselves. Substance counseling can be difficult, but rewarding work. Empowering others to change their lives is a powerful feeling and many people stay in the profession for years and years.

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Life After Rehabilitation

One of the most important things for you to consider when you decide to go into rehabilitation for a drug or alcohol addiction is that there is life after rehabilitation. Once you leave the rehabilitation facility where you overcame your addiction, your life is going to be in your hands once more, and you will be charged with taking the necessary steps to getting your life in order once and for all.

There are numerous steps involved in really getting a handle on your life once again following life with a drug or alcohol addiction and the subsequent rehabilitation. You will need to find a place to live and get a job that will allow you to support yourself. If you have not already gone to school, then now is an excellent time to consider getting a degree and finding a real career path. Individuals that have responsibilities are best suited for focusing and bettering themselves.

If you are working on bettering your life after spending some time in a rehabilitation facility, then you might want to consider an online university. An online course load will allow you to work for a living while supporting yourself. You can use services like EarnMyDegree.com to help you find the right course of action for your education and career future. An online school will allow you to get your life back on track because you will be able to attend classes on your own schedule and to work at your own pace until you are able to earn your desired degree. This is going to be the right type of learning for anyone that is focusing on a multi-faceted approach to overcoming a life of addiction or substance abuse.

You can pick up the pieces of your life and move on with the right education and the right attitude. Online courses will make it easier for you to get the help you need in starting over.

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Denial and Distraction

Taking steps to overcome one’s alcohol problem or drug addiction can take courage and know-how. There are many support groups available to assist one in this process as well as medical help. There also are counselors and psychologists to lend their support and expertise.

All of these organizations and individuals have the goal of helping people overcome their addictions and achieve full-recovery.

One of the main focal points is to overcome denial and distraction. One must be determined to have a addiction-free life free from dependency on harmful drugs or alcohol. With this aim firmly set in one’s mind it will be easier to go through the recovery process. One will be less distracted by activities and persons that can or may persuade him or her from the desired recovery.
It is essential for this determination to come about and this goal to be made, that a person recognizes the need for such a goal. Denial seems to be the first hurdle facing all those with a drug or alcohol problem. They may feel that others are over-stating their habits. They do not view their behavior as one that is truly causing problems for themselves and others. There is a tendency to blame others or circumstances for the troubles that are actually a result of the person’s addiction.

This is why many recovery support groups, such as the AA and its 12-step program, focus on overcoming denial. In fact the first step in the AA’s 12 steps to recovery is to admit that the addiction is overpowering one’s life. It is essential to realize that whatever the addiction whether it be drugs or alcohol or over-eating, that one realizes that it is consuming his or her life to the point that life is becoming unmanageable. Admitting one’s problem and that such a lifestyle has adverse affects is the key to overcoming the addiction.

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The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

In 1939 Alcoholics Anonymous published the original version of what would become the famous 12-setp program to assist those in truly overcoming their alcoholism. This program was not merely meant to give a little assistance, but to completely cure one from his or her addiction.

In the early 1950s, the fame and success-rate of this program was well known. Other groups and organizations started adopting and adapting these 12 steps over the following decades to meet other overwhelming challenges and dependencies such as those with drug addictions or over-eating problems.

The original 12 steps for Alcoholics Anonymous are as follows:
1. Recognition that there existed a powerlessness against alcohol and that there is an inability to handle one’s life.
2. Recognition that there is a Higher Power that can cure one’s addiction.
3. Make the choice to turn one’s life and will over to God.
4. Did a thorough review of one’s moral status in our lives.
5. Made known one’s wrong-doings to God, oneself, and another person.
6. Made one ready to have God remove the addiction.
7. Asked Him to take away the addiction.
8. Listed all persons harmed by our alcoholism and decide to make amends promptly.
9. Directly made things right between oneself and those affected by the addiction, unless it would cause them harm.
10. Reviewed our moral state on a regular basis and be quick to apologize for mistakes made.
11. Use pondering and prayer to strengthen our relationship with God to know His will for our lives.
12. Made efforts to share the Alcoholics Anonymous’ program with other victims of alcoholism. Use our new-found faith in all aspects of one’s life.

Note: In other adapted versions of these 12 steps the phrasing of particular words was altered to meet the specific needs of the group or organization. The main steps that were changed were the first and the last.
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The Benefits of AA Sponsorship

There are a wide-range of support groups to assist in the recovery process from alcoholism and drug-addiction. Probably the most well-known is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which has existed for more than 70 years.
When considering joining one of these groups, be sure to note whether the group encourages mentorship between an experienced member and a new-comer.
In the AA, specifically consulting others or finding sponsorship is encouraged. To better help one through their journey to recovery, the AA encourages more experienced members who have undergone the AA’s 12 step program to mentor and assist those new to the program.

This is not supposed to mean that the “sponsor” or more experienced member, takes on the role of a therapist or expert. Rather the mentor is supposed to share his or her experiences and successes of going through the program. Novices are challenged to find at least one sponsor to assist them on the road to recovery.

This relationship is mutually beneficial. This gives the sponsor an opportunity to admit his or her addiction problem and how it was overcome through the 12-step process. This sharing can confirm to one’s mind the value and effectiveness of the program. It also is very healthy for the recovered addict to share and help another. So often victims have harmed others and have lead a life of indifference to those around them while they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When recovered, helping others is therapeutic and gives a person further purpose and confidence.

This relationship is also very helpful to a newcomer in the group. It establishes a social tie to the group which can help the person feel more comfortable in the group-setting and allow them to feel more ease as they undergo the 12-step process. It can also provide the new-comer with an opportunity to get needed answers from someone he or she can confide in. Overall this mentor relationship can greatly benefit the recovery process for both people.

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Choices

Alcoholism is a very serious and prevalent problem in the world today. It may seem that those who are victims to this problem were somehow in differing circumstances.

The truth is though that has the famous saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” The same is true with alcoholism. The journey to addiction starts with one drink.

As we see friends or loved ones go from one drink to social drinking to a complete addiction, it can be very difficult. While we can be very supportive as they struggle to battle their addictions, it is important to keep in mind that it is their choice.

As much as we want to help, forcing people to change their habits will not truly help them overcome their addictions. We can persuade, encourage, educate, and even firmly-demand, but it is important to remember that the bottom-line is that they must desire the change for themselves.

They must recognize the problem. They must see it for what it is–an addiction that is taking over their lives. At first the they consumed the alcohol, and now the alcohol is consuming them, their lives, and the lives of those they influence. They must realize that it has changed them and that the consequences of this habit are negative and undesirable.

Only after a realization of their actions and their consequences can they really take the first step to recovery. Recovery has to come from the inside-out. The person needs to recognize and choose to eliminate alcohol from daily use.

If we force, it can have the opoosite effect of what we hope. Those we are trying to help, may get defensive and even more protective of their behavior. Forcing the issue will not stimulate them to make better choices.

As we realize the important value of one’s choice, it can help us and others better deal with situations where alcohol addiction is involved.

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Eddie Munster in Alcohol Treatment

Butch Patrick
Cover of Butch Patrick

When starting in on alcohol treatment, it is important to stay with the treatment or the treatment facility. Unfortunately, there are times that people will go off and feel that they can do it just as well, or better, themselves. Many times this happens with celebrities, but it can happen to anyone. Knowing what you need to do, and being able to do it without help are two completely different things.

If you’ve ever watched The Munsters, you know the actor Butch Patrick. He played Eddie Munster in the show. Unfortunately, he has been dealing with alcohol and drug addictions for over 40 years now. In fact, he just recently was in a rehab center. After being released, he figured that he could deal with the problem on his own. One of the big mistakes that he made with this assumption is that he continued with the drugs and alcohol. In fact, he continued so strongly with them that he almost ended up dying of a drug overdose. Because of this, he was put into a rehab clinic again after an intervention from friends and family.

We all hear the stories on a regular basis: a celebrity goes into rehab, gets out, and is back in within a short period of time. This also happens frequently with those who aren’t celebrities as well. We just don’t hear about it because who wants to hear about Joe Schmoe in and out of rehab? No matter who this is happening to, we all know that it is a problem. It is impossible for someone to quit a drug, even if it is something that is legal like alcohol, if he or she is unwilling to. Those who have addictions to alcohol need to choose for themselves to seek alcohol treatment and not be forced into it. Otherwise, they will eventually go back to their old habits.

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Help available for those with Addiction problems

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Addiction to a substance can be the hardest thing a person overcomes in their lifetime.
Many smokers intimate that their battle with quitting smoking was the hardest thing they have ever done, while the drug user addicted to crystal meth says their battle with addiction was their biggest life hurdle.
While many don’t have Addictions to drugs, there are some whose demon is alcohol and some whose biggest nightmare is food.   For some, their Addictions revolve around items like gambling, while others struggle with sex addiction
Whatever your Addiction, there are programs out there to lend support and offer a comfortable space to learn how to overcome.
Alcoholics Anonymous is famous for its ability to help alcohol abusers beat their demon with 12-step meetings and a desire to quit drinking.  Along the same lines is Overeater’s Anonymous for those that battle the everyday demon of food.  There is a Gamblers Anonymous and even programs for sex and drug addicts.
For many that are battling Addictions, a support-system like an Alcoholics Anonymous offers a safe environment where the addict can hear stories for others who are battling the same problem.  Oftentimes it is in this group setting where the addict has their first breakthrough in realizing they actually have a problem.   Hearing from others who have the same Addictions often unlocks hidden keys of hope and wisdom that the addict can turn to when times get tough.
Just about every city in the United States is equipped with some form of Addiction Anonymous settings.  By researching for even just a few minutes, you can find the program that fits your needs, its schedule and availability on your days off.
Addiction is a painful and disturbing process for everyone involved.  By attending these group-therapy sessions, the addict can learn, heal and return to being themselves in a matter of months.

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Alcoholic’s Anonymous (Aa) granting peace and freedom to millions

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Alcohol addiction is a problem that isn’t going away.  Millions of American’s turn to the bottle when times get tough, or to deal with the depression that everyday lives bring.   Alcohol addiction doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age, gender, race or sexual orientation, so organizations like Aa are especially helpful when it comes to dealing with Alcoholics.
The only requirements to attend an Aa meeting are that everyone in attendance has the desire to stop drinking.  So then, a first step to realizing that Aa might be needed is for abusers to realize that a problem exists.
Alcohol abuse is one of those things that creep up on you.  A few drinks every night, turns into a bottle of wine and then a bottle of whiskey as the problem worsens.  Many that are battling alcohol addiction fail at their jobs, families and church before they ever realize there is a problem.
Aa offers a clean, safe environment where users can hear the experiences of others that are battling similar problems.  For some, a court-ordered appearance at Aa opens their eyes, as the addict for the first time, comes to the realization that there is a problem.
Most Aa programs have steps, many have 12-steps.  As the alcoholic works through their addiction process and cleans up their act, they achieve another step on the rungs of their recovery.  The Aa process isn’t always easy and clean as many have relapses along the way, but as stated above, to attend, one must only have the desire to stop drinking.
With alcohol abuse such a wide spread problem, finding a local Aa chapter in your area shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.  Many programs have classes just about every night, and offer abusers the chance to attend as their schedule allows.
What are you waiting for?  Freedom comes in 12 simple steps!

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Substance Abusers Outreach Education programs available for addicts

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One of the worst things about drug addiction is many users feel like they are going through their attempts of recovery all alone.  Studies suggest that Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs greatly enhance one’s ability to overcome addiction.
One of the best aspects of Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs is the ability of like-minded individuals to share their feelings in  a group setting.   Users often find that someone within the group is going through something eerily similar to what they are.  In a Substance Abusers Outreach & Education program, individuals are able to talk about employment, relationships, family and many other issues that have surfaces since their addiction became a problem.
By seeing and hearing what other’s have been through, drug users are able to open up and talk about their own problems.  By verbalizing their issues, the problems become more real and addicts are able to take responsibility for their destructive behavior.
Going through a drug addiction alone is a recipe for continued failure, but with the help of Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs, individuals are able to stop their abuse and move forward.
Many cities have free Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs offered at community centers throughout the world.  Finding a comfortable setting in a location close to your home is key in the step of considering counseling for your drug problem.  The more at ease the addict feels, the more likely they are to pay attention and reach milestones of new commitment.
To find the nearest Substance Abusers Outreach & Education program near you, spend some time researching on the Internet.  Family members, if you see a problem developing, don’t wait until it’s too late!  Get involved and get your loved one back on the path to success.
No one has to be alone in the recovery process.

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