Counseling For Addiction And Recovery

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Struggling with a substance use disorder can be an exhausting and challenging way to live. Fortunately, there are programs available for your recovery needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, dont hesitate to contact a treatment provider for more information.

Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional: November 16, 2021

Dayna Smith-Slade

• Dayna Smith-Slade is a nationally certified Master Addictions Counselor , licensed Substance Abuse Professional , and Substance Abuse Expert with over 29 of hands-on experience in the addiction field.

• More from Dayna Smith-Slade

• WebMD.com. Underwood, Corinna. 6 Treatments For Addiction That Are Proven Successful. Retrieved on May 26, 2021 from
• PsychologyToday.com. Motivational Interviewing.Retrieved on May 26, 2021 from

Counseling For Addictions With New Heights Can Help

You might not initially think you can feel better, but you can. OurFort Walton Beach counseling office is where you’ll be welcomed by caring professionals who want to help you get better. We understand that when you are struggling with addictions, you need to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. That’s why we’re here for you! Addiction counseling can and does help. If you want to reclaim the life you once had, itâs time to get back on track with your recovery.

Other Holistic & Alternative Drug Use Therapy

There are alternate types of therapies that can be used to complement the more standard treatment types listed above to aid recovery. Though these techniques do serve as adequate substitutes for the substance use treatment programs themselves, they can help promote recovery through stress management and overall wellbeing. Some of the complementary therapies are:

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Intensive Counseling For Short

Intensive counseling is relatively brief in nature. However, if you find yourself unable to find the time to commit to a traditional rehab model, this could work for you. Intensive counseling focuses on reducing the risk factors in terms of relapsing and on reconnecting with your inner strength. You learn to gain control of your own feelings, thoughts and actions.

The principal benefit of intensive counseling as part of short-term rehab is the minimal disruption to your everyday life.

Common Symptoms Of Addiction

Addiction is a chronic medical disease that involves multiple factors, including interactions between the brain circuits of an individual, genetics, environmental influences, and personal life experiences. The person who has an addiction may experience cravings or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and difficult to resist despite adverse consequences. Our clinical staff has helped many individuals overcome their struggles and problematic behaviors. Here are some common addiction symptoms:

• Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy and lack of energy in daily activities.
• Drastic changes and difficulties in relationships.
• Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties.
• Inability to stop using a substance regardless if it’s causing health problems or personal problems.
• Profound changes in appearance and a noticeable abandonment of hygiene .
• Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money.
• Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss.

These aspects of addiction individually might not raise concern, yet when several occur together, they indicate a greater likelihood of developing a serious illness. A person who exhibits signs and symptoms of addiction should seek professional treatment immediately.

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Principles Of Effective Treatment

Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program:

• Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.
• No single treatment is right for everyone.
• People need to have quick access to treatment.
• Effective treatment addresses all of the patients needs, not just his or her drug use.
• Staying in treatment long enough is critical.
• Counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment.
• Medications are often an important part of treatment, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.
• Treatment plans must be reviewed often and modified to fit the patients changing needs.
• Treatment should address other possible mental disorders.
• Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment.
• Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be effective.
• Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously.
• Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as teach them about steps they can take to reduce their risk of these illnesses.

The Four Major Dimensions Of Recovery:

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Looking For A Place To Start

Reach out to a treatment provider for free today.

Make a Call

Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional: October 14, 2019

Dayna Smith-Slade

• Dayna Smith Slade is the President and CEO of Substance Abuse Solutions, L.L.C., a unique and innovative substance abuse consulting firm based in Northern Virginia. Her Small, Women, and Minority owned firm is committed to increasing drug and alcohol awareness in the community and decreasing the prevalence and debilitating impact of substance abuse. Dayna is a seasoned counselor with experience in a variety of therapeutic milieus. She is a dynamic public speaker that has been the featured trainer at national conferences and the featured guest on local television and radio talk shows.

• More from Dayna Smith-Slade

Maybe You Feel Like Your Stuck In A Rut With No Way Out

Maybe your addiction has taken hold of your life, and you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and despair. You may feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. Relationships are strained, family members are upset, and friends avoid you. You may even feel like giving up. But you shouldn’t give up hope. There is always hope!

You may think you’ll never be able to quit drinking or drug use. But you can. We have seen clients recover from their addictions and live productive lives. Client motivation and commitment to recovery are crucial to success. Our clinical professionals are trained counselors who will guide you through your recovery.

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Refer Patients To Outside Support Groups

There are a variety of outside resources available to those recovering from addiction that are beneficial when combined with counseling treatment. As a counselor, referring patients to programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can add another level of outside support.

These community based programs provide an additional layer of accountability to those seeking rehabilitation, and by attending meetings, patients will be surrounded by individuals with similar backgrounds, and can further share their stories, wisdom, and struggles in a non-judgmental environment.

The role of the counselor in addiction treatment involves far more than just talking an addict through treatment. Counselors have to be highly empathetic people, who have a passion for building relationships with their patients. From providing a safe space for patients to openly talk about their struggles with addiction, to guiding family members through the recovery process, to addressing plans to avoid relapse, counselors play an important role in addiction recovery.

The demand for substance abuse counselors is on the steady incline, with a projected ten year growth of 31 percent. Students who earn their Masters Degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University leave with skills necessary to help people in their community heal and recover from addiction.

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Provide Guidance For Loved Ones

Substance abuse recovery isnt only about the addict. This process is difficult for the loved ones of the addict.

Theyre witnessing withdrawals, intense mood swings, and watching their loved ones suffer. Its also common for loved ones to have questions about recovery and are unsure of their roles.

This is where an addiction counselor comes in.

An addiction counselor not only supports the addict but also their loved ones. They provide education on substance abuse, the recovery process, and what loved ones can do to support their loved ones.

They will be there from the intervention to the moment when the addict is cleaned up from their addiction. An addiction counselor can also be there after they recover, to provide more guidance on sober living.

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Is It Possible To Recover From Addiction

Yes. It is possible to recover from addiction, but you have to be willing to do the work. You must want recovery and commit to yourself that you will not use it again. The ability to break the chains of addiction depends on how much you want to get better. You must take action if you genuinely want to overcome your addiction. There is hope if you are ready to change your life for good.

Counseling Can Provide Direct Support For Addiction And Mental Health Issues

For anyone with a dual diagnosis of drug addiction and a mental illness, one-on-one counseling is a way to navigate with assistance towards solutions for both. Strategies to help you begin recovery coincide with support for depression or any other mental health issue youre affected by in treatment. As an addiction and a mental illness can affect one another, working on them simultaneously in a program designed to provide that kind of treatment is optimum.

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What Will You Learn In The Masters In Human Services Counseling Degree Online

The core content of the online Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling degree provides a balanced overview of important theories in psychology and specific, real-world counseling practices.

Throughout our online masters in human services counseling, you will study the development of the human mind from childhood to adulthood and learn how multicultural issues impact individual and group situations. As a Christian university, Liberty brings the study of human thought and behavior into the light of a Christian worldview and demonstrates how biblical principles inform these science- and evidence-based practices.

The addictions and recovery area of study builds on the core content of the Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling to teach you how to address drug addiction, chemical dependency, and sexual addiction. You will learn how to identify and diagnose addiction, how biological and chemical aspects influence addiction, and how these factors impact treatment.

With the addictions and recovery specialization, you can become prepared to use evidence-based counseling practice and behavioral science to help clients in a non-licensure addiction recovery care setting.

Please note that the online Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling is not designed to fulfill clinical counseling requirements. You can view Liberty Universitys licensure-track Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling for more information about counseling licensure.

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How To Get The Most Effective Treatment

Addiction affects each person differently, so it is important for treatment to be individualized as well. Just because something works for one person, doesnt mean it works for everyone. Over time, needs will change, and so should treatment plans.

Still unsure if you would like to attend a detox or rehab program? Take our free, 5-minute substance misuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance use. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

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How Does Therapy Work

• It is difficult to benefit from therapy when you are under the influence.
• Many people report lying to their therapist about drug or alcohol use.
• A good therapist may not work with you during active addiction.

During and after treatment, a therapeutic process can begin with the absence of distortions caused by substance use.

Typical Session

Typical individual sessions last for about 50 minutes and often begin with identifying problems youd like to address and goals you may have, as well as methods and interventions that can assist in this process.

You may develop a formal treatment plan and decide how often to meet. This arrangement can be revisited as therapy progresses.

These meetings are usually held in a private office. What you share in your therapy sessions is confidential, and you have a right to feel safe with your therapist.

The Role Of Addiction Counselors In Recovery

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Addiction is a deep-rooted disease. Drug and alcohol addicts suffer from more than just the effects of substance abuse. Their issues are psychological, usually resulting from a mental disorder or even from an event in their past.

This is why addicts need professional psychological help during the recovery process. Addiction counselors aid an addict in various areas of recovery, understanding their addiction and assuring them of their decision to recover.

Are you thinking of becoming an addiction counselor? Understand the role before taking courses. Read on to learn more.

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Counseling Can Offer New Behavior Strategies For Recovery

The tools provided during counseling to equip you to remain in recovery may involve behavior strategies to help you avoid former routines and people that threaten your sobriety. One of this approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps someone in recovery identify unproductive ways of thinking and acting and replace them with more productive and healthy choices. CBT tends to be used as one element in a larger treatment program, and can be used for both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

When A Person Commits To Their Recovery However And Is Willing To Heal The Uncomfortable Parts Of Themselves The Results Are Incredibly Powerful

I have seen the deep pain that addiction can cause for both the person struggling and for the family and loved ones. I believe in addiction there is a level of sensitivity that has not been addressed, and the addiction is a way to manage these emotions and vulnerabilities.

Addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling the need to use the drug regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day

• Having intense urges for the drug

• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities

• Doing things you wouldnât normally do to get the drug

• Focusing more and more time and energy one getting and using the drug

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

• Failed attempts to quit using the drug.

• obsessive thoughts regarding addictive behavior

• use of the behavior causing shame and guilt which in turn can lead to more use of the behavior

• suddenly experiencing powerlessness over the behavior that you once felt you had âunder controlâ

There are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make.

Please reach out today so we can discuss what you hope to obtain from treatment and set up an initial appointment.

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Addiction Treatment At Northern Illinois Recovery

If you are wondering what addiction counseling is and how it can help me recover, the short answer is that it helps you learn important skills and strategies to avoid relapsing and maintain sobriety. Northern Illinois Recovery Center is a leading substance abuse treatment to helping you overcome addiction. at to learn more about our treatment programs.

What Does An Addiction Counselor Do

With the help of an addiction counselor, you can explore what caused you to use drugs or alcohol, share and process feelings, increase awareness of negative though and behavior patterns, learn healthy coping skills, identify potential triggers, and create a long-term plan to sustain your sobriety. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs rely heavily on the use of addiction counseling and these take place in individual or group formats.

An addiction counselors role is to:

• Conduct substance abuse evaluations and general assessments
• Provide unbiased emotional support for individuals throughout a treatment program
• Conduct one-on-one, couples, and family therapy sessions to get to the root of the addiction
• Provide psychoeducation
• Facilitate process groups and group exercises
• Administer periodic drug and alcohol tests
• Develop a specialized plan for treatment based on your individual needs and goals
• Help you create an aftercare plan based on care available in your area

Addiction counselors will also conduct group therapy sessions that often incorporate family members or other patients in addiction treatment. Group therapy can lead to discussions about family dynamics and how unhealthy relationships can create or feed into addictive behaviors. Once these dysfunctions are identified, the patient can begin making important post-treatment plans.

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

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Getting The Undergraduate Certificate For Alcohol And Drug Abuse Counseling

The majority of coursework in National Universitys undergraduate certificate is online through live-streaming classrooms. During the last class in the program, the practicum, students are assigned to work with clients on-site in the community, and they participate in a seminar where they go over their fieldwork.

Preparation for on-site work begins almost as soon as students begin the certificate program. In our program, we start helping students develop relationships with their local addiction community very early in the program through assignments integrated into the program, says Dr. Posson. By the last class, they have relationships and an idea of where they would like to do their practicum. Then we help them get a signed agreement with that agency for six months of practicum totaling 255 hours, a minimum in all states.

The undergraduate certificate at National University combines training in psychology, physiology, law and ethics, case management, and counseling. Students learn to correctly diagnose dependence issues and develop unique treatment plans based on individual client needs. Developing relationships with other counselors and professionals is an important part of the program students go out in the field to learn first-hand from experts already working in the profession.