Role of the Substance Abuse Counselor

Similarly, stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine put extreme strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Smoking drugs, such as tobacco, marijuana, or crack cocaine, damages the lungs and can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses. Injecting drugs with shared needles also increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV Substance abuse and hepatitis.

How do the best treatment programs help patients recover from addiction?

• These definitions, however, often complicate the diagnosis of substance-related problems in seniors because they may have retired from work, may have given up driving, and may be living alone.
• Not all such facilities offer withdrawal management,247,248 although ideally they would.
• Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health.
• Evidence-based guidelines can assist doctors with choosing the right treatment options.
• While it can be overwhelming to acknowledge and seek help, it’s important that you do — and know that you’re not alone.

In addition, about a third of seniors who abuse alcohol are so-called late-onset drinkers; they are people who did not abuse alcohol previously but have turned to it out of loneliness or bereavement. These late-onset seniors typically have higher levels of education and income than the two-thirds of older substance abusers with previous histories of alcohol or drug dependence. For the chemically dependent person, the substance abuse counselor can act as a game changing influence in their life. By helping them to see clearly their patterns of addiction and problem avoidance, the substance abuse counselor can cause a radical shift in consciousness.

Important Skills for Substance Abuse Counselors

Many people with SUDs or other https://leo-kim.de/opioids-like-lean-permeate-hip-hop-culture-but/ problematic substance use achieve recovery using other avenues alone—or in addition to—formal treatment, or use harm reduction techniques to lessen the consequences of problematic use. Studies show that a significant number of domestic violence incidents involve alcohol or drug use. In cases of intimate partner violence, one or both individuals are often under the influence at the time of the altercation. Similarly, sexual assault cases frequently involve alcohol, which can impair consent and increase the likelihood of predatory behavior.

Effects of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse counselors can be found in a variety of settings across the continuum of care. Their work environments often depend on the client population they serve, the stage of recovery, and the structure of local treatment systems. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here substance abuse counseling definition to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. One study found that people employed as supervisors were more likely to be certified or licensed and hold a masters-level degree.