Distressing feelings like sadness, loneliness, rejection or anger are inevitable for every human being, while some can manage it and carry on with their life. But for many, it almost feels impossible. They succumbed to substances in the hope of relief.
Addiction is a chronic disorder marked by compulsive substance use and disruptive behaviours, even when the individual is aware of the negative impact on their overall well-being. We mostly associate addiction with alcohol, but drugs, tobacco, and other substances are all manifestations of addiction.
In India, addiction is a growing concern, and it is extremely important to understand its nature and the challenges associated with it. If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction problem, there is always help available to support your recovery process. Mental health professionals like therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors for addiction can assess your condition and provide you with better coping skills to avoid triggers that fuel your cravings.
7 Questions to Ask Your Counsellor for Addiction Recovery
When you start your recovery journey with an addiction counsellor, doubts and questions are bound to arise. This is completely normal. The key is to not only ask relevant questions that support your recovery journey but also get all the answers you need to meet your requirements. Here are 7 questions to ask your counsellor for addiction recovery:
Doubts and questions are bound to arise when you start your recovery journey, and it is completely normal to have. The key is to only ask relevant questions that give you a clearer picture but also get all the answers you need to meet your requirements
What are your qualifications and experiences in addiction recovery counselling?
When choosing an addiction counsellor, you will want a professional who specializes in treating your type of addiction because counsellors come from different backgrounds and knowing about their qualifications and experiences is helpful. Ask about their credentials before going forward with your treatment to avoid misdiagnosis.
What assessment tools do you use to evaluate progress?
It’s important to ask this question to know about the assessments your counsellor follows and how they perform them. Because your treatment plan is based on this assessment, knowing the assessment process thoroughly helps you get a clearer picture of your personalized treatment plan.
Can you explain your treatment approach for addiction recovery?
There are varied treatment options available, and a counsellor will assign them based on your symptoms and severity levels. It can be therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therefore, it is important to ask if a particular treatment option can address your specific needs and help you on the road to recovery. Understanding your counsellor’s approach to treatment is crucial.
How do you approach managing relapse?
Many individuals struggling with addiction face challenges of relapse, both during the treatment process and after treatment completion. There is no specific tool to measure relapse risk, so it’s important to ask if your counsellors have the skills to provide relapse prevention skills and what kind of changes will be made to treatment plans once a patient relapses, providing you with an assurance of a well-structured treatment plan.
What coping skills do you teach clients to deal with cravings and triggers?
Coping mechanisms are crucial in managing your cravings. They help you avoid triggers that fuel your cravings and lead you into healthy behaviours. Therefore, asking your counsellors about specific coping strategies that are effective for your symptoms is vital.
What are the expectations for clients in your treatment program?
There are several things your counsellors will have expectations of you, just as you expect results from them. These expectations might involve including family members in counselling sessions or following specific routines to support your recovery. By understanding your counsellor’s expectations, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the commitment required and the overall recovery plan.
What aftercare support do you provide post-treatment?
When addiction patients are exposed to an unsupervised setting after their treatment, many are unable to control their cravings, so it is paramount to ask whether your counsellors can provide any aftercare support, which might include healthy routines with proper diets and physical exercises, which will improve your relationships and overall well-being.
Treatment Options for Addiction
Many individuals with addiction problems want to change but don’t know where to start and which one to choose for their recovery. There are many treatment options offered by a counsellor for addiction and will assign treatment based on your symptoms and severity level. The most common treatment options are;
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a psychotherapy that helps you in navigating negative thought patterns that fuel your harmful behaviours. It equips them with effective coping skills and encourages healthy habits that accelerate their recovery process.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET is perfect for individuals with addiction problems who are not motivated enough to start their recovery journey. It instils confidence and willpower to change their unhealthy behaviours and to take control of their life.
Family Counselling
Family counselling is when a counsellor for addiction involves your family members in the counselling session to give them a better understanding of your condition and the challenges associated with it. It can help in creating a better environment for you at home that supports your recovery process.
Why Do You Need Counselling for Addiction?
Most people generally assume that addiction only affects a user’s physical health. It equally takes a toll on their mental health. Addiction causes destructive behaviours that are harmful to them and the people around them. Therefore, it is essential to have a professional like a counsellor for addiction support. They are equipped to provide a holistic approach that helps you identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and encourage you into healthier habits that support your overall well-being.
A life free from addiction is possible with the right tools, and counsellors for addiction can assist you in the recovery process. Starting your new journey can be daunting, but rigorously following your treatment plan, maintaining a proper diet and healthy routines, and avoiding triggers, will surely support your recovery journey. You will love the version of yourself that emerges from this process.
