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