It's time to seek the help of a professional addiction counselor. More than 10% of people in the United States face substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder each year. Substance abuse disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background or education. The cause of addiction is unknown, meaning that anyone is at risk of developing a substance use disorder when using drugs or alcohol.
Since addiction is a disease, treatment professionals use several approaches to help people heal and recover. These approaches include holistic and evidence-based treatments. Each treatment is used during substance abuse treatment and is often used together. Here at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our experienced and compassionate team of counselors, therapists, and medical professionals routinely use addiction counseling to improve recovery outcomes. But what exactly is addiction counseling? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of addiction counseling, how it works, and how it can help you or a loved one on the road to recovery.
What Is Addiction Counseling?Addiction counseling is an evidence-based treatment that improves your ability to identify and change negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It's a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals with substance use disorders learn how to cope with their addiction and develop healthier habits. Addiction counselors work with individuals to identify triggers for their substance use and develop strategies for avoiding them. They also provide support and guidance as individuals work through their recovery process. Addiction counselors are trained professionals who specialize in helping individuals with substance use disorders.
They are knowledgeable about the different types of addiction treatment available and can provide guidance on which type of treatment may be best for an individual's needs. Addiction counselors also provide support and guidance as individuals work through their recovery process. Types of Addiction CounselingThere are several different types of addiction counseling available. The type of counseling that is best for an individual depends on their specific needs and goals. Some common types of addiction counseling include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their substance use disorder.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a type of counseling that helps individuals explore their motivations for changing their behavior related to substance use.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals learn how to manage their emotions in order to reduce their risk for relapse.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy helps families understand the impact of substance use on the family system and develop strategies for supporting each other during recovery.
Some benefits include:
- Improved coping skills: Addiction counselors can help individuals learn how to cope with cravings and triggers in healthy ways.
- Increased motivation: Addiction counselors can help individuals identify their motivations for changing their behavior related to substance use.
- Reduced risk for relapse: Addiction counselors can help individuals identify triggers for relapse and develop strategies for avoiding them.
- Improved relationships: Addiction counselors can help individuals learn how to build healthier relationships with family members, friends, and other important people in their lives.
If you or a loved one are looking for an addiction counselor, there are several resources available to help you find one in your area.
