Month: June 2021

In the process of treating drug addiction, therapists apply various methods. They include detoxification, use of medication, rehabilitation programs, and counseling therapy. While detoxification can help flush out the toxic substances out of the body system, it does not deal with the foundation of the problem.

Medications can help the individual avoid a relapse. However, it may only be a replacement for the abused substances if the individual is overly dependent on them.

Counseling is probably the most effective tool in handling drug addiction. Addiction is a behavioral problem; it stems from the habitual use of a substance. Whether individual or group counseling, there are benefits of counseling

In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of counseling in drug rehab. They include;

1. Provision of Support and Motivation

One of the challenges addicts face in their journey to recovery is the lack of motivation. Some addicts deny the reality of their situation hence cannot receive the drive to heal from the addiction. Counseling provides a platform where you can receive motivation and support to recover fast.

Whether in individual or group counseling sessions, there are people around you who relate to your situation.

2. Teaches you How to Cope

There are trigger factors for people who suffer from drug addiction. During counseling, individuals learn how to cope with these factors. These trigger factors differ from person to person. However, during counseling, the therapist can proffer a coping strategy to each person.

3. Building Stronger Relationships

When people suffer drug addiction, it causes them to have marred relationships. Counseling helps people build lost relationships back. The therapist offers counsel on how to build new relationships and fix broken ones. It is because relationships are essential to recovery.

4. Preventing Relapse

Using medication to prevent recurrence into abusing drugs is a short-term solution. Prolonged reliance on the drug may lead to a new wave of drug addiction. The better alternative is to check up with your counselor when you feel the urge to use again.

 

There are different treatment methods for drug addiction. These include individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and medications. The most common form of treatment is individual therapy.

The focus of this article is group counseling. Group counseling is a form of therapy in which the group members do not have a pre-existing relationship outside the counseling sessions. Some of the features of group counseling include;

– There will be a trained group leader.

– Members may range from two to ten.

– Members cut across all age grades.

Levels of Group Counseling

Group counseling occurs in three levels, they are:

1. Outpatient Treatment Programs: The outpatient treatment centers don’t offer intensive addiction treatment. They offer assistance to working-class individuals who need therapy for drug addiction. One of the methods they adopt is group counseling.
2. Residential Treatment Centres: These centers are given a residential and a non-hospital setting to help the addict acclimatize faster. One of the methods of treatment in the residential treatment center is group counseling.

III. Hospital-Based Inpatient Program: At the core of most rehab-based treatments is behavioral therapy. Individual and group counseling sessions are utilized in treatments.

 

Advantages of Group Counseling in Drug Rehab

1. Members receive support and motivation from each other to recover.
2. Members are taught how to cope with stress without relapsing into drug abuse.
3. People build relationships that are beyond the scope of therapy.
4. One therapist can treat many individuals simultaneously.
5. Group members can give feedback to and assist themselves get better.

Disadvantages of Group Counseling in Drug Rehab

1. People sometimes have peculiar needs that are not met in group therapy sessions.
2. The recovery rate of people differ. Some individuals may become discouraged if they don’t recover at the same pace as other individuals.
3. Some individuals are shy. They may lack the confidence to open up during sessions.
4. Certain individuals lack the quality of discreteness. They may lack the ability to keep the information confidential.
5. Some people are antisocial and can develop anxiety around new people.