Although the problem of addiction is not new, the understanding of addiction as a disease is helping revolutionize the way that people who live with substance use disorders are treated. Addiction therapy programs in Florida and across the nation are stepping up to serve the needs of clients who, more than ever, need help to stop using drugs and drinking. Educating the public on the importance of addiction counseling can help encourage people to reach out for help, not only for themselves but also for loved ones.
What Are the Benefits of Addiction Counseling?
Studies show that individuals who receive counseling and treatment for substance use disorders maintain their recovery at far greater rates than those who simply quit on their own. People who receive appropriate therapy and counseling services are more likely to hold a job, have stable housing, stay out of the hospital, and avoid trouble with the law. During the course of a treatment program, clients will learn new coping strategies that help them navigate life without the burden of substance abuse, as well as develop and strengthen their communication skills. These new skills allow clients to heal relationships that have been damaged as well as build new relationships for themselves in the future.
What Kinds of Therapies Are Used?
A comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program will utilize multiple types of addiction counseling. Some of the therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are aimed at helping clients identify old thought patterns and approaches that are negative or unproductive and replace them with new, healthier ways of thinking.
Other types of therapies that might be used are:
- Group therapy
- One-on-one therapy also called “talk therapy”
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Nature therapy
The treatment program will often tailor the types of therapy for each specific client so that the client’s individual needs are best served.
The Importance of Family Counseling
A family therapy program is of critical importance in any substance use disorder treatment program. In order to successfully enter and stay in recovery, the client must have proper family, community, and therapeutic support. Sometimes, in a client’s family of origin, relationships have been strained or even broken. It is important that the whole family be involved in the client’s recovery because the disease of addiction has also harmed them.
One of the most important reasons to include family counseling as part of a treatment program is so that the whole family can be educated on the disease process of addiction. Also, families can learn better communication strategies that will help them support their loved ones on their journey of recovery.
Do I Need Addiction Counseling?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself or a loved one to determine if you might be helped by an addiction counselor or treatment program:
- Have I ever lied to anyone about my drug or alcohol use?
- Am I spending money on drugs or alcohol that I should not spend?
- Are my relationships with family and loved ones suffering because of my drug or alcohol use?
- Have I ever done something related to drugs or alcohol and later felt bad about it?
- Am I in trouble at work because of drugs or drinking?
- Am I in trouble with the law because of drugs or drinking?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, you could benefit from addiction counseling. It can be challenging to see the effects of drugs and alcohol in your own life, so why not seek the opinion of a professional. Reach out to an addiction treatment program near you and see for yourself how sobriety can change things in your life.