
Deciding to talk to a counsellor regarding your drug or alcohol use isn’t easy. Seeking help means recognising you have a problem. It also means opening up to someone and digging up your past to find the root cause of the substance abuse.
Drug and alcohol counselling has helped many struggling individuals overcome their addictions. Unfortunately, it does not work for everyone. So, we’ll lay down some information about drug and alcohol counselling to help you determine whether or not it’s for you.
How Does Drug and Alcohol Counselling Work?
Counselling is a form of talk therapy wherein a licensed counsellor sits down with you to help you work through your drug and alcohol issues. They will help you explore the root cause of your substance use, identify goals around substance use, and discover strategies to achieve those goals. In short, they will guide you through your journey to recovery.
Drug and alcohol counselling typically begins with the counsellor getting to know their clients through any written information they’ve provided. It means you may have to disclose your medical history, mental health conditions, relationship dynamics, etc. Counsellors use various methods, like motivational interviewing (MI), grounding, and harm reduction, to help you.
Counsellors typically ask a variety of questions during sessions. It’s to help you uncover your triggers and find healthy coping mechanisms. It’s also to help you understand your addictive behaviour. Your willingness to open up and listen will determine the result of the treatment.
Don’t worry about privacy. Counsellors are ethically bound to confidentiality with your information and everything you tell them.
Gone were the days when counselling was only available face-to-face. Technological advancements have allowed counselling sessions to be done online or via phone. These two options are ideal if you don’t like to speak about your feelings face to face.
Do You Need Drug and Alcohol Counselling?
Occasional use of drugs or alcohol might not indicate a problem. However, for some, substance use can escalate into addiction. Addiction is dangerous. Without treatment, drug and alcohol addiction can cause serious health issues, even death. It can also lead to a host of other problems, like financial difficulties and damaged personal relationships.
Evaluate Your Relationship With Drugs or Alcohol
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Many individuals with drug or alcohol use disorder are either unaware of their problem or do not want to recognise it at all. If you want to know whether you need drug or alcohol counselling, begin by assessing your current situation. Here are some questions to help you get started:
- Do you use substances more frequently than intended?
- Do you need more of the substance to feel its effect? Check out these Australian alcohol guidelines to determine whether or not you’re consuming harmful amounts of alcohol.
- Are you using substances to cope with emotional challenges?
- Has your substance use caused issues in your work or personal relationships?
- Do drugs and alcohol become more important than any other aspect of your life?
- Are you facing financial problems because of drugs and alcohol?
- Are you getting physically or mentally sick because of substance use?
- Do you feel unable to stop or cut back on substance use despite wanting to?
- Have you tried quitting but relapsed?
- Are your families or friends expressing concern about your drinking or drug use?
- Are you hiding or lying about your substance use to others?
If you’ve answered yes to several of these questions, you’ll benefit from drug and alcohol counselling.
Signs You’re Ready for Counselling
The decision to seek drug and alcohol counselling is deeply personal. But if you’re on the fence about getting this treatment, consider watching for the signs below. They can be an indication you’re ready to take the next step.
- You acknowledge the problem. One of the reasons people don’t get treatment for their substance use is that they don’t recognise that they have a problem. Being aware of the negative impact of your substance use and recognising the problem is a sign you’re ready for counselling.
- You want to rebuild relationships. Drinking and using drugs often damages relationships. Drug and alcohol counselling can help you control your substance intake or abstain altogether. When you’re sober, it’s easier to mend broken relationships.
- You crave a better life. A desire for improved well-being, personal growth, or better relationships can indicate readiness for counselling.
When Counselling Does Not Work
Counselling is a powerful tool for helping individuals with drug and alcohol problems. But it may not work for several reasons.
- You and your counsellor are not a good match. Counselling won’t work if you don’t feel connected, comfortable, and safe with your counsellor.
- You may not be ready yet. A counsellor will only give suggestions or teach you skills that will be useful in achieving your goals. It won’t work if you have trouble opening up to them.
- You choose the wrong counsellor. Not all counsellors are the same. Some cross professional and ethical boundaries. Others are not culturally competent or inconsistent. Unfortunately, counselling may not work if you end up with these kinds of counsellors.
Finding the Right Counsellor
If you have decided that drug and alcohol counselling might benefit you, the next step is finding the right counsellor. The right counsellor is someone you feel secure and comfortable with. It’s someone that makes you feel understood and heard. You can only find that out through meeting and chatting with them. Find counsellors with professional accreditations and go on the first session with them.
If you feel like the counsellor is not fully listening or you cannot talk with them honestly, look for someone else. Switching therapists is pretty common. In a Healthline survey on online therapy, 48% of respondents met with two or more counsellors before finding the right one.
Remember that human connection is at the heart of effective therapy. If you don’t feel connected with a therapist, he’s not the one for you.
Are You Ready for Drug and Alcohol Counselling?
Are you ready to take the first step towards reclaiming your life? Hills & Ranges Private has trustworthy and compassionate counsellors ready to guide you throughout your drug and alcohol addiction recovery. We’re just one call away if you want to book the first session or learn more about our drug and alcohol counselling service.
Unsure whether or not you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol?