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Drug Addiction Counseling

Results-oriented drug addiction counseling requires a comprehensive approach that not only rehabilitates addicts, but also addresses the underlying cause of chemical dependency. People delve into drug use for different reasons; some to cope with life's failures and disappointments, others to be accepted by peers, and some to forget about the pain of present, past or future conflicts. From wayward adolescent runaways to desperate and depressed housewives, society is fast becoming a culture of people seeking to escape reality. Behavioral therapists and counselors strive to uncover the root cause of substance abuse by conducting one-on-one consultations with people who opt to enroll in rehabilitation programs. Some have reached the end of their rope, and come to the realization that professional intervention -- whether faith-based or secular --is the only way out of the vicious cycle of chemical dependency.

The source of abuse can begin with a desire deferred, a hope denied, or a lifetime riddled with physical or sexual abuse, a dysfunctional family environment, absentee father, or abusive mother. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12). Whatever the cause or catalyst for substance abuse, drug addiction counseling must follow a direct and holistic approach to produce a cure and an individual capable of reentering society. Therapy usually starts with an assessment of each program participant by an impartial clinician. Counselors listen intently to participant's verbal and non-verbal responses to a specific set of questions. Drug addiction counseling explores past medical histories, criminal backgrounds, employment records, and past behavioral treatment rendered to clients. Medical histories will reveal conditions which may have contributed to substance abuse. Many times, individuals get hooked on pain killers, tranquilizers, or over-the-counter drugs. Some establish a pattern of dependency on prescription medicines, often finding emotional relief and stimuli from a pill bottle rather than facing people, places and things which are disconcerting. Patient records may reveal multiple prescriptions for the same drug obtained from several different physicians. In the case of prescription drug abuse, counselors will recommend gradually weaning program participants off of medicines while addressing emotional issues.

Criminal background checks will reveal incidences of incarceration related to substance abuse, such as street drug usage, prostitution, or theft to support habits. Therapists that specialize in drug addiction counseling have probably heard every conceivable scenario when it comes to criminal substance abuse from sex-for-hire to gambling and money laundering. The drug culture is a virtual breeding ground for criminals to develop lifetimes of illegal activities to support their addictions. Long-term users will stop at nothing to feed a habit which is all encompassing and ravages the soul, the body and spirit. Dependency on opiates, such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methadone, will be evident from arrest records and criminal background checks. Effective drug addiction counseling will entail investigating incarceration records and treating program participants for specific drug-related ailments. The use of opiates creates physical, mental and psychological impairment that may take months of treatment to overcome. Cocaine causes heart failure, strokes, and short term memory loss. Depression, agitation, disorientation, and even thoughts of suicide may result from using opiates, amphetamines, and barbiturates. Some users suffer debilitating physical and emotional maladies which must be addressed during therapy.

Before therapists can proceed with reprogramming an addict's propensity toward drug use, participants must undergo a detoxification process to rid the system of harmful chemicals and byproducts. Drugs are generally plant-based and can contain toxins and additives that can destroy the mindm, the soul, and the body. Users are unaware of the purity of street drugs, how they are manufactured, or whether pushers have processed drugs under sanitary conditions. Unlike prescription medicines, street drugs are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration; and their production under less than sanitary conditions can prove lethal. Detoxification cleanses the body in preparation for the emotional cleansing drug addiction counseling provides.

While in therapy, addicts are led along the difficult road to recovery as counselors help them uncover some painful truths, annihilate negative perceptions, and rebuild the participant's capacity to think clearly, realistically, and objectively. Professional counseling can unearth years of pent up emotions, un-forgiveness, or self-loathing, triggers for chemical dependency. Behavioral institutions often pair counselors with patients conducive or relevant to the client's background or environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy plays a key role in drug addiction counseling. Therapists seek to establish trust and build a rapport with clients in order to facilitate dialogue. Young females who use street drugs because of histories of sexual abuse may confide in older female therapists as a substitute or surrogate for the mother that once provided nurturing during childhood. Male addicts may resent an absentee father, but feel comfortable consulting with older females that resemble the grandmothers that reared them.

Once a productive dialogue has been established, therapists will employ cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, including individual and group psychotherapy sessions, to keep clients engaged in talking about issues of concern. Confronting and discussing painful events helps rid addicts of some of the demons that initially caused chemical dependency; just as detoxification rids the physical body of mind-altering substances. Engaging in regular dialogue with counselors and peers helps patients confront tough issues, many of which they may have never discussed otherwise. Deep-seated, unresolved emotions, anger, resentment and bitterness can provoke people to do desperate and self-damaging things. Many spend years blindly following a course of degradation and demoralization. The ultimate goal of drug addiction counseling is to treat the whole individual and help people who have somehow lost their way get back on the road to a wholesome life.

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