Addictions Recovery Counselling

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that, like other types of chronic illnesses, recovery from substance use disorders and substance abuse is possible. As with any recovery, commitment and discipline are key factors.

However, substance addictions recovery are challenging, and relapses are common.

We outline below some ways in which people who are struggling with addictions can achieve better quality and more productive lives for themselves.

Counselling

In counselling, therapists help their clients increase awareness of how their substance abuse have negatively affected their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy may be used to help clients understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their actions.

Clients learn about their core beliefs, and how these have impacted what they feel about themselves, which in turn have affected the decisions they made.

It would also have influenced how they see others in relation to themselves, and how this can impact their relationships.

The Canadian Assocation for Mental Health (CAMH) states that when mental health issues are present, even the smallest substance use could worsen the problem.

Other research has shown that trauma increases the risk for addictions.

Man in therapy for addictions recovery

In addition to overall mental wellbeing and support for addictions recovery, counselling promotes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Addiction counsellors can also help their clients manage cravings and temptations, and learn assertive communication techniques to express their needs with respect to their addiction.

As a result of counselling and an improved overall health, clients may feel the desire to reach out to form new relationships that are distant from their addictions.

Medications

In consultation with, and management by a family physician or psychiatrist, medications may be used to treat substance use and addictions.

Medications may be needed to help individuals recover from substance addictions.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse listed some of these medications:

nicotine patch, gum, or an inhaler, or taking bupropion (Zyban) for smoking cessation.
methadone or buprenorphine for dependency on heroin or other opioids.
Naltrexone (Revia) can reduce cravings for alcohol dependency.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) to decrease sickness and nausea from alcohol.

We stress again that any medications used to treat any kind of illness should be managed by a trained professional such as a family doctor or psychiatrist.

Withdrawal Management

The Center for Addictions and Mental Health states that, “people sometimes need short-term help dealing with substance use withdrawal. Withdrawal management helps them manage symptoms that happen when they stop using the substance. It helps prepare clients for long-term treatment. Clients also learn about substance use and treatment options.”

Treatment for addiction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is unique to each person – based on the substance used, on the stage of dependency, the availability of family and friends for support.

Last and certainly not least, treatment success depends on the person’s willingness to change.

Do you know someone who is struggling to recover from an addiction? Read here what loved ones can do.