What is Drug Counseling? An Expert's Guide

Drug counseling is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with substance abuse. Substance abuse counselors are mental health professionals who specialize in treating patients with chemical dependencies on drugs or alcohol. They work closely with individuals and groups to identify problematic behaviors and offer support to help them overcome their dependence and become self-reliant. At the Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our experienced and compassionate team of counselors, therapists, and medical professionals routinely use addiction counseling to improve recovery outcomes.

Addiction counseling is a combination of treatment and support that helps people get rid of drug addiction. It includes holistic and evidence-based treatments such as naltrexone and acamprosate, two drugs that reduce the desire to drink and have been shown to reduce relapse rates in older people by 50 percent when combined with counseling and social support. Patient counseling is also an important part of drug addiction treatment. Pharmacists communicate information to patients or caregivers to ensure the proper use of drugs or devices. If you work specifically as a drug counselor, you'll have the same types of tasks, but you'll work strictly with clients who suffer from drug abuse problems rather than eating disorders or gambling addictions. Drug addiction affects the whole family, so it's important to understand how substance abuse treatment works and how family interventions can be a first step to recovery.

SAMHSA's National Helpline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish for those seeking help with substance abuse issues. The referral service is free, and if you are uninsured or underinsured, they will refer you to the state office responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, they can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. Alcohol and drug addiction can be devastating for families, but substance abuse counselors can help improve many people's lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Visit SAMHSA's online treatment locator or call their National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for more information.