Substance abuse counseling is performed by a trained person in the field of chemical dependency who understands the dynamics of substance abuse. Substance abuse counselors assist the person who is suffering under the strain of chemical dependency to find healthy alternative ways to face her problems in life and to be successful in short-term and long-term goals as a participating member of society. Counseling involves the person and the person's family, if possible. Many families suffer the stress of the living with and dealing with the substance abuser, so getting family members involved can help.
Inpatient Counseling
Rehabilitation inpatient substance abuse counseling is facility-based and performed under its directorship. Decisions concerning a patient are made within a team forum, and the outcome of the patient's ongoing treatment is discussed and decided upon on an ongoing basis. Nurses, counselors and physicians are involved with the patient's care as well as a psychiatrist, if warranted. Rehabilitation counseling usually is done for approximately a month. It generally involves individual and group sessions, as well as medications.
Half-Way Houses
Half-way housing includes substance abuse counseling. It can provide an alternative to assist the patient in learning ways of healthy living without the patient being fully on his own in society without close supports. Counselors at half-way houses assist patients with ongoing issues that have occurred with their past chemical dependency. Half-way housing is a structured way of dealing with the issues of substance abuse. The patient receives counseling and group therapy on a daily basis. Upon leaving the half-way house, the patient should have the means to be self-sufficient such as a job, an apartment and access to an outpatient clinic for continued substance abuse support counseling.
Detoxification Counseling
Substance abuse counseling also occurs within a detoxification unit, but this is short-term. During the chemical detoxification, the patient is given concrete instruction about dealing with the disease processes of chemical dependency. A physician, a psychiatrist and a nurse typically monitor the patient on a daily basis. Assistance is given to the patient emotionally and physically about dealing with the detoxification.
Outpatient Counseling
Outpatient substance abuse counseling is an alternative to inpatient counseling and allows the patient to live among family members or peers within the community. The patient is seen on a weekly basis and is given counseling and instruction about how to achieve short-term and long-term healthy goals.
Private Counseling
Substance abuse counseling also may be performed on a private individual or family basis. Family counseling focusing on substance abuse is performed especially when there is a child involved who is suffering with chemical dependency. Social services as well as school systems within the community offer support for the family and child for substance abuse counseling and may be involved on a long-term basis to help the child.
