The Role of the Counselor in Addiction Recovery
Overview:
- Substance abuse counselors provide a necessary support system for individuals recovering from eating disorders, drug and alcohol issues, gambling addictions, and other behavioral issues.
- Help addicts with both crisis and long-term addiction management issues, which can range from immediate medical intervention, to supporting them manage their recovery long term.
Create a Therapeutic Alliance with Patients
- Showing Interested.
- Attentiveness.
- Empathize Problems.
- Understanding and Communicating the Foundational Issues.
Encourage Patient Recovery:
- Help patients recognize problematic behaviors and help guide them into recovery, and empower them to take action and change these behaviors.
Help Patients Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan:
- A detailed account of the patient’s experience with substance abuse including previous relapses.
- Warning signs and ways patients can best manage them.
- A detailed list of family, friends, and counsellors that can be used as a support network.
- An emergency relapse plan.
- Specific lifestyle changes that patients can do to prioritize their wellbeing.
Meet With Family Members to Provide Guidance
Refer Patients to Outside Support Groups
Other duties:
Meeting with clients to evaluate their health and substance problem
- Identifying issues and create goals and treatment plans
- Teaching clients coping mechanisms
- Helping clients find jobs or re-establish their career
- Leading group therapy sessions
- Providing updates and progress reports to courts
- Referring clients to support groups
- Setting up aftercare plans
- Meeting with family members and provide guidance and support