Addiction Counseling
Addiction is a powerful, debilitation condition in which drugs or alcohol have taken over a person's life. Addiction counseling is an important component and essential part in overcoming this condition. Counseling for addiction can include, but is not limited to:
- Drug Addiction
- Alcohol Addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Gambling Addiction
Drugs and alcohol have high physical dependency, which require detox in order to overcome. However, there are major psychological and social factors to addiction that may trigger relapses in an addict. Stress, social networks of users, and even certain physical locations may lead towards relapse. With therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy, recovering addicts can learn coping mechanisms and develop supports that will help them avoid situations or fight off urges to use.
Addiction Counseling And Group Therapy
Much of the research on addiction counseling stresses the importance of group therapy over individualized therapy. During group therapy, individuals are likely to be challenged by peers undergoing many of the same stressors, in addition to providing a support network. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are well-known twelve-step programs that employ group therapy in recovery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is important in instructing individuals on how to recognize moods or situations that can trigger drug cravings. Addiction counseling in CBT helps these individuals avoid such triggers. However, not all therapists are trained in CBT.