ROLES OF A COUNSELLOR IN ADDICTION RECOVERY

In addiction recovery, counsellors are an integral support system for people who are recovering from all forms of addiction, disorders and behavioural problems. Counsellors create a relationship with their patients, and this relationship is based on trust. Counsellors basically give the support and resources needed for the patient to get back on his feet.

With a form of guidance which is judgment free, patients would find it helpful on their road to recovery from addiction.

One of the quintessential role of a counsellor is, he creates a beneficial healing relationship with patients. On the side of a patient, the decision to opt for treatment is quite difficult, and it involves much trust between they and the counsellors. Bearing this knowledge in mind, counsellors invest a great deal of care in forming a strong bond with the individuals.

This form of healing relationship is basically the trust and dependence of addicted individuals on their counsellors. At this stage, they open up to the counsellor, and trust him with their feelings; strength and weakness. Such strong relationships help the patient to see their counsellors as trustworthy, and they are assured that they have their best interests at heart.

This kind of trust develops with time, and patients would then feel at ease to discuss openly when sessions are ongoing. They would also feel relieved after each appointment, and there would be a strong urge to return.

Counsellors makes sure that the patients are aware of the fact that, they have interest in their welfare. During sessions too, the counsellors ensure that they lend an effective listening ear during each session. This shows the individual that the counsellor is interested in his or her recovery.

Also, counsellors encourage patient recovery, as they have been trained to motivate the patient never to give up. Motivation gets easier when the counsellor has an effective idea of the entire addiction process of the individual.

Due to the chronic nature of addiction, once recovery is in sight, the counsellor is known to assist the patient in creating a relapse prevention plan, which would ensure that the patient does not go back on his addiction

FIVE LESSONS A COUNSELLOR WOULD TEACH IN ADDICTION RECOVERY

The availability of a counsellor in the addiction process, can be regarded as one of the vital features which would be beneficial to the addict. In some addiction recovery homes, some health specialists tend to double as a counsellor. Sometimes, the outcome is usually positive, however, there would be times when they would have other engagements.

The term “counsellor” comes with a specific job role, it is usually advisable that, a counsellor does not have a second duty to perform. There is an essential need for the counsellor to focus on his primary assignment, so that progress can be achieved.

Below are five lessons which a counsellor would teach an addict while in recovery

  1. You are a worthy recipient of recovery: This is the first lesson which every counsellor would teach an addict. It basically explains that, all addicts are worth the care and effort to help them get back on track.

 

  1. You are not dysfunctional: For a good number of addicts who come into rehab, they often feel they have destroyed the normal functioning of their body. Hence, they have lost all hope. Now, a counsellor would be in place to encourage the addict, and explain that there is still hope for them to have their normal lives back.

  1. You are not powerless: In the addiction process, most addicts are of the opinion that they have been overpowered, and there is little or nothing which can rescue them. The counsellor helps to correct that notion which the addict has about himself.

 

  1. There are many ways to live a healthy life: Counsellors also teach addicts that, there are many ways which can help them come out clean. It does not have to be through dependence on alcohol and drugs, before they can have a healthy lifestyle.

 

  1. You are better than your mistakes: A counsellor is often seen as someone who inspires someone to do better. People in recovery usually regret and blame themselves for getting addicted. However, a counsellor would point out reasons to you why you should instead focus on your winnings rather than mistakes.