What is Drug Abuse Counseling and How Can It Help People?

Substance abuse counseling is a combination of treatment and support to help people overcome drug or alcohol addiction. Qualified counselors work closely with individuals and groups to identify problematic behaviors and offer guidance on how to make positive changes. Contingency management (CM) is a type of positive reinforcement counseling that encourages patients to abstain from drug use and engage in health behaviors. With a master's degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, there is no limit to what you can achieve in the field of drug and alcohol counseling.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive or uncontrollable search and use of drugs despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting. Counseling helps you escape cravings and learn to manage what life has in store for you without drugs or alcohol. Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that drug abuse treatment can help many drug offenders change their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors toward drug abuse; avoid relapses; and successfully exit a life of substance abuse and crime. If you work specifically as a drug counselor, you will have the same types of tasks, but you will work strictly with clients who suffer from drug abuse problems rather than eating disorders or gambling addictions.

Drug abuse changes brain function and many things can trigger the desire to use drugs in the brain. Looking at these figures, the need for accessible counselors for the treatment of substance abuse and drug abuse becomes increasingly evident. Qualified counselors who can help people manage their addictions are an integral part of the substance abuse treatment industry and the broader American workforce. For additional resources, visit the SAMHSA store. Visit SAMHSA's Facebook Page Visit SAMHSA on Twitter Visit SAMHSA's YouTube Channel Visit SAMHSA on LinkedIn Visit SAMHSA on Instagram SAMHSA Blog SAMHSA's Mission is to Reduce the Impact of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness on U.

S. Communities. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in Best Families Describe how alcohol and drug addiction affects the whole family. Explains how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. Group therapy is generally preferred over individual therapy when it comes to treating substance abuse. The referral service is free.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, we will refer you to the state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or that accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, we recommend that you contact your insurer for a list of participating providers and healthcare facilities. Substance Abuse Counselors Improve Many People's Lives. Find out what your work will be like.

Substance abuse counseling can help people overcome addiction by providing them with support, guidance, and resources they need to make positive changes in their lives. The SAMHSA National Helpline provides free information about mental health services in your area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.