Many people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol go through a detoxification to cleanse their body. Though this first step is crucial, a drug and alcohol counselor can help you through the real work of rehabilitation. The benefits of counseling do not provide a magic cure for substance abuse, but they can help you overcome your destructive thoughts and habits that led you to rehab initially. A drug and alcohol counselor can help you learn coping skills through individual or group sessions that assist you in maintaining your sobriety and leading a life that is positive and healthy.
One of the biggest challenges faced by rehab patients is finding the motivation to fight against their addiction. Most times, your substance abuse is obvious to your family and friends, but you may believe you can quit at any time or that you are not really addicted.
During early rehab, one of the most important therapeutic techniques is motivational interviewing. With motivational interviewing, the addiction therapist takes on the role of a collaborative partner or coach and encourages you to find your source of motivation to quit your addiction. This can help you overcome the fear of getting clean.
You may feel completely out of control of your addiction. You have likely done many self-destructive things because of your need for drugs that have hurt your relationships, self-esteem, and health. Your counselor will help you identify the thoughts, habits, and behaviors that surround your drug use during your sessions. During the process known as CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, you will learn how to replace the compulsive behaviors with approaches that are more constructive and healthier.
It is very common for a recovering addict to relapse. You will likely feel compelled to go back to drugs at some point in your life, whether it’s months or years after you stop using. Despite all your hard work at recovery, many people return to substance abuse because of personal hardships, social cues, stress, and emotional pressures. A drug and alcohol counselor can help you prevent relapse by:
Whether you have been clean from drugs or alcohol for a short while or a long time, the urge to relapse tends to come from nowhere. There are several warning signs you can look for, though, such as isolation, lack of planning, fear of the future, depression, and faltering self-confidence. A drug and alcohol counselor can help you recognize these warning signs so you can prevent a relapse.
Addiction can take a toll on relationships with family and friends. One of the most valuable benefits of counseling is rebuilding those broken relationships. Most rehab facilities provide opportunities for families to participate in counseling. Your drug and alcohol counselor can walk you through steps to mend relationships damaged through your addiction.
The addiction specialists at Coastline Behavioral Health understand the vital role counseling plays in your journey of healing. Give us a call today to start your process towards recovery.