In today’s world, the issue of substance abuse is probably more prevalent than ever before. In addition to illicit street drugs, like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, many people struggle with alcohol addiction, and over the last decade, the abuse of legal drugs (such as prescription and OTC medications) has reached epidemic proportions. Substance abuse can take a costly toll not just on those who abuse, but on their loved ones and society as a whole. This is a widely accepted fact. Fortunately, many people who have found themselves struggling to control their addiction have found that they do have somewhere to turn. More and more, people struggling with addiction are turning to substance abuse counselors to help them work through their demons.
In many cases, substance abuse counselors are court ordered as part of the sentencing process involved in a crime. In fact, drug abuse and criminal acts have become so intertwined that it is standard procedure to order drug testing in felony cases, even when the charges do not involve drug use. This is because habitual substance abusers often have to turn to felonious acts to support the costs associated with their habits. When a court orders a defendant to retain the services of a drug abuse counselor, that counselor is generally one of many that have special ties to the criminal justice system. In some cases, these substance abuse counselors have undergone special training in addition to the standard counseling education and certification, and are particularly suited to treating substance abuse problems that have escalated to the point that they contribute to criminal behavior.
On the other hand, some people do not allow their chemical dependencies to reach the point that they force the user to commit crimes. These people will often reach a point in which they realize that their substance abuse has become or is going to become out of control, and as such they will seek out the services of a qualified substance abuse counselor. Substance abuse counseling and therapy can either occur in one on one sessions between the patient and counselor or in group therapy sessions. Many people who are recovering from chemical dependency really benefit from group counseling sessions in which they are reassured that they are far from the only ones struggling with addiction, and that recovery is possible. Hearing the personal stories of other current and former addicts can go a long way towards promoting positive thinking and thereby recovery in patients dealing with substance abuse.
Of course, visiting substance abuse counselors can be very costly. For this reason, many health insurance plans will cover or help defer the costs. This is primarily because addiction has been determined to be a disease, and therefore treatable. In addition to counseling and depending on the substance you are trying to eliminate from your life, your drug abuse counselor may also recommend adding a prescription addiction treatment drug to your therapy regimen as well. There are many types of these pharmaceuticals on the market, and they work in a variety of ways. However, in some cases, the drugs used to treat addiction can become addictive in and of themselves. Additionally, they may also have the potential to cause other side effects, some of them even life threatening. For this reason, many counselors and patients strive to avoid the use of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of substance addiction if possible. Of course, as with any prescription drugs, the potential risks associated with taking the prescription are weighed against the risks of not taking it. If your substance abuse counselor determines that your chemical dependency is severe, it may be in your best interest to incorporate these pharmaceutical treatments into your substance abuse therapy.