Do you know exactly what an addiction counselor does? Many people have a general idea of what they do and how they operate, but they aren’t entirely clear on what makes them different from other addiction professionals. Today, you’re going to find out!
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about addiction counselors, including the common misconceptions about them as well as the truth.
What is an Addiction Counselor?
Let’s start by defining exactly what it means to be an addiction counselor. We’ll talk about their roles, responsibilities, and the type of clients they work with.
Counselors who specialize in addiction work with individuals from a number of backgrounds, experiencing addiction to a number of substances. They work with their clients in a number of different ways to explore the history, thoughts, feelings, and experiences that have led them to where they are. In addition to exploring their triggers and past trauma, they help their clients focus on ways to overcome these issues and stay sober.
In-patient and out-patient recovery services alike employ the services of addiction counselors. In fact, their services are so important, you won’t often find a facility that doesn’t offer some form of counseling for their clients or patients.
Throughout the course of their work with patients, counselors will work on a number of things with them.
Some of these things include:
- Performing substance abuse evaluations and general assessments
- Facilitating group and family therapy
- Relapse prevention and Recovery
- Getting to the root of addiction issues with clients one on one, as well as with their partners and family members
- Developing aftercare plans to help clients maintain their sobriety after leaving treatment
- Developing specialized treatment plans based on unique challenges, needs, and goals
- Offering unbiased emotional support that many people will not find elsewhere
Common Misconceptions About Addiction Counselors
Now that you know more about what addiction counselors do, let’s talk about some of the misconceptions surrounding this occupation.
“I don’t need an addiction counselor”
One of the biggest mistakes many people make on their journey to staying sober is thinking they can do it alone. Not only is it incredibly important to get the help of family and friends, but there are also a number of sober services that greatly improve your chances of long-term sobriety.
In addition to addiction counseling, these services include sober companions, coaches, and escorts.
Many people believe that by seeking these services, they’re essentially admitting they are weak or unable to help themselves.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Seeking help for your addiction issues is one of the most profound acts of courage you will make in your lifetime. Once you find the right counselor and other sober services for you, you can begin to breathe a sigh of relief that you’re no longer white knuckling your recovery on your own.
Visit this post next to learn more working with an addiction counselor, including the types of therapy they might offer.
“I can’t afford an addiction counselor”
This myth isn’t unique to addiction counseling. In fact, virtually every kind of counseling or therapy is associated with this myth from time to time.
While it’s true that if you’re working with a limited budget not every addiction counselor will be one you can afford to hire, there are other options. Depending on the state you live in, they may offer a number of free services or discounted counseling costs so you can still get the help you need.
If you are working with a limited or non-existent budget, a great place to start is with a simple Google search for “free addiction counseling.” It will bring up options and resources in your area to help you find the support you need.
“They don’t know me so they can’t help me”
Many people in recovery or even active addiction decide no one understands them which means no one will ever be able to help them. But this just isn’t true!
Addiction counselors have a plethora of training and experience working with people from all kinds of backgrounds, with every addiction issue you can think of. So, while your history and experiences are unique as will be the approach they take to your treatment, they will still be able to help you.
But this doesn’t mean every addiction counselor is right for you. It’s important to take the time to find someone you trust and who you can develop a healthy relationship with. This doesn’t mean you should shop around for a counselor who tells you what you want to hear, however. Instead, look for someone who can offer unbiased support, while still helping you challenge and question the behaviours and thoughts that got you to where you are.
Other Information About Addiction Counselors
What other sober services are available?
An addiction counselor can play an integral role in getting, and keeping, people sober. However, they aren’t the only option. Not to mention, when clients can combine the services of a counselor with other sober services, they often find their chances of long-term sobriety greatly increase.
In addition to counseling, other services to consider include:
Sober companions
Sober companions offer the most intense and involved form of support for individuals in recovery:
“In most cases, it involves the companion living with the person in recovery so they can be there to support them face-to-face 24/7. Sober companions work with the goal of helping maintain sobriety and focus on setting goals towards a better future for their clients.
Sober companions engage with individuals in their home environment to achieve these goals. This can be done for any period of time ranging from two weeks to a year, depending on the circumstances and the individuals’ needs. We generally recommend this for clients seeking a continuum of care after residential treatment.”
Sober transportation
It includes this definition and explanation of their services:
“At Elysian Sober Services, our sober guides are sober individuals who transport clients discreetly and confidentially. This support is here for those who do not have means of transportation in early sobriety. Additionally, this support is helpful for those who need accountability while going to and from appointments. This includes sober transportation to and from events, the gym, social gatherings, groceries and errands, and more. It also involves travel assistance, including airport transportation and assistance on business trips or vacations.
Finally, it can also include transportation and escorting to and from:
- 12-step meetings
- Sponsorship meetups
- Doctors appointments
- Therapy appointments
- Residential treatment programs
- Business trips”
Sober coaches
Finally, we come to sober coaches. They also offer beneficial services for those trying to become and stay sober. Their support is similar to that of a companion, however it is not quite as involved. As such, people who are farther along on their sober journey might choose this option. Or, they will switch to sober coaching once they have established a record of sobriety with their sober companion.
Our sober coaches check in with clients once a day. They will also meet with our clients five days a week in person to provide more comprehensive treatment.
Now you know more about addiction counselors, sober companions, and other sober services. Are you ready to take the next step and find out about employing these professionals for yourself?
You’re in the right place.
We are committed to helping people who suffer with alcoholism and addiction to live a clean and sober lifestyle.
You’ll find us in sunny South Florida where we provide one on one support with meetings, health, nutrition, transportation, and spiritual guidance to help maintain sobriety.
We encourage you to call Elysian Sober Services in Jensen Beach, FL. today. We look forward to hearing from you.
