The Main Responsibilities of Substance Abuse Counselors
Substance abuse counselors are trained professionals who help people with drug and alcohol problems. They listen to the client, identify their needs, discuss options for treatment, and create a recovery plan. Substance abuse counselors are experts in their field of study and typically have a master’s degree or higher in clinical psychology or social work.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the many responsibilities of substance abuse counselors.Â
Roles and Responsibilities of Substance Abuse Counselors
While millions of people worldwide experience substance use disorders (SUDs), it’s estimated that only because it contains many useful strategies to help the client recover and avoid relapse.
- Develop Relapse Prevention Programs
More than after treatment. To help clients maintain sobriety, counselors create a program tailored to their client’s needs and preferences. Some programs focus on one aspect of substance abuse, while others may address several factors simultaneously.
The therapist will talk with the client about what triggers the client’s addictive behaviors and what motivates them to stop using substances. They should also consider any other mental health issues that might be present in addition to substance use disorders. The counselor can then help create strategies and design a program to address their substance use disorder with the aim to prevent relapse. The program can be short or long term, and may include individual or group therapy sessions. Some programs are in person, while others are online.
- Organize Family Conferences
Family conferences are a vital part of the counseling process and allow the counselor to meet with the family and discuss their concerns. Counselors encourage family members to support their loved ones while they recover. Their meetings aim to establish a treatment plan and may include discussion on medications, therapy recommendations and preferences, counseling options, or goal setting for future progress.
Below is an infographic from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that can help families support their loved one facing addiction issues:
, you will be an expert in helping people who struggle with addiction and its related issues through meaningful therapy sessions and other strategies. You’ll also provide access to resources, such as peer groups, that can help assist in the recovery process.
If you’re interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor, we encourage you to explore the offerings at 51³Ô¹Ï College or contact us today to request more information.
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