Finding Counseling For Substance Abuse

Dealing with substance abuse can create anxiety for everyone involved. The victims of the issue are not the only ones that are eventually forced to confront the problem, and they often induce a feeling of stress on the people close to them.

With that said, it is always possible to find help. Counseling for substance abuse and addiction is more accessible than one might initially think, and many different kinds of therapy are available to navigate these difficult situations.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Many people closely associate substance abuse with addiction, but these two things are not always interchangeable. Addiction to illicit or illegal substances is classified by professionals as a compulsion to use the substance excessively. As a result, it may create long-lasting damage to brain function.

Abuse, on the other hand, is classified slightly differently. Abuse is the act of overusing a substance for a prolonged period or for a reason other than the drug’s original intention. However, addiction still plays a factor and can contribute to the abuse. Abuse also has a high potential to spiral into addiction, which is why it is crucial to notice symptoms from the start.

Symptoms of substance abuse and addiction include a failure to tend to keep up with daily obligations, isolating oneself from family and friends, and being easily irritated. Many people dealing with substance abuse problems will deny the existence of a problem, and many people are even able to convince themselves that there is not one.

Substance Abuse Therapy: Program Goals, Frequency, and Duration

Abuse can lead to addiction, which is a disease that has effects that will last throughout a person's life. Being able to spot the symptoms and taking action against them by going to therapy is one of the most effective ways to combat the issue.

Counseling for substance abuse and addiction involves taking a very individualized approach to each case. The process often begins with helping the patient confront how their abuse or addiction has impacted their lives. This includes their relationships, work or school obligations, and possibly altercations with the law.

Counseling for most patients involves getting to the root of the issue and helping the patient understand why they feel the need to use drugs or alcohol excessively. Once this is achieved, it is possible to prevent abuse in the future and allow the patient to go back to fulfilling their everyday obligations.

Nonetheless, once someone becomes addicted to substances, their brain has been irreversibly changed to crave that substance. Thus, another goal of counseling is to establish different ways of fending off those cravings that don’t involve the drug.

Is Substance Abuse Therapy effective?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), therapy must help the patient to do more than just stop abusing substances. Success also varies from person to person. Factors such as the person’s interest in the program play a part in its effectiveness in rehabilitating them. 

The NIDA says that therapy must also help the patient accomplish other feats including, becoming more involved and contributing to their family and social lives, improving their productivity with work or school, and being a more productive member of society in general.

These goals are the bar for successful substance abuse counseling or therapy. However, the case-by-case nature of the treatment means that many people can still relapse, and the standard for success can sometimes prove difficult to measure. Medications can also be prescribed, depending on the severity of the abuse or withdrawals from the substances involved.

Get the Most Effective Treatment at Elevate Rockwall Today

Elevate Rockwall is a team of therapists that do as much as possible to prioritize the needs of each individual and help them in a way that is specifically catered to their needs. Each session of addiction and substance abuse therapy lasts for 45-60 minutes and aims to address the issues each patient is dealing with in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable.

Our counselors practice unconditional positive regard and professionalism with every individual. We commit our full attention to each treatment session and always uphold confidentiality. 

If you feel that you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, Elevate Rockwall has counselors that can help. The road to recovery can be difficult, but with the right help, it is always possible.

If you feel that our programs might benefit you or a loved one, Contact us to schedule an appointment today.