Six Things to Look for in a Drug Addiction Counselor
When a person seeks treatment for an addiction to drugs, he or she needs the help of an experienced, professional counselor. After all, a counselor plays a major role in a person’s path to recovery. A counselor pairs with a client to figure out the reasons behind his or her addiction. Discover six qualities to look for when evaluating a drug addiction counselor.
Professional Qualifications
The counselor who is going to help in your recovery should have the proper qualifications. In short, the counselor should be licensed and have the appropriate certifications to provide the right kind of treatment. A therapist should be open and clear about his or her professional qualifications. Also, a reputable therapist or drug counselor has his or her credentials readily available online for prospective clients.
Experience Treating People with Specific Addictions
Experience is another quality to look for when searching for heroin addiction counseling or counseling for addiction to other types of drugs. An experienced counselor or therapist knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to treating a person with a serious addiction. The ideal therapist or counselor has seen many clients succeed in overcoming their addiction. Furthermore, those clients are now leading productive lives without dependence on drugs.
Compassion
Compassion is an essential quality in any effective drug addiction counselor. The professional understands how difficult it is to overcome an addiction that is both physical and emotional. Having compassion for clients means the counselor can provide treatment without being judgmental of the person or his or her issues.
Individual Treatment
Not every person who is seeking help for drug addiction needs the same type of treatment. In short, look for a drug addiction counselor or therapist who looks at the specific circumstances of your addiction. A one-size-fits-all drug treatment program doesn’t take into account a person’s unique challenges. So, it’s best to go with a counselor who understands the importance of looking at each client as an individual person.
Follow-Up Care
A person’s journey with a counselor doesn’t stop after he or she finishes treatment
for drug addiction. Even after recovery, a person needs to know there is support available if he or she is tempted to use drugs again. So, a therapist or counselor must be available for follow-up care when a client needs it. This shows that the counselor or therapist is fully dedicated to helping in the person’s recovery.
A Variety of Therapy Options
Some clients who are addicted to drugs respond well to one-on-one therapy while others benefit more from group therapy. Any counselor you choose must be open to almost any type of therapy that will be effective in your recovery. Some therapists prefer one type of therapy over another while others like to combine different therapies in a treatment program. Asking about a counselor’s thoughts on therapy techniques can help you decide whether to go with a particular professional.
Finally, selecting the right therapist or counselor is an important step to getting free of a drug addiction. Once you pair with the right professional, you can begin to move toward a healthier, more productive life.