The Benefits Of Seeking Out A Substance Abuse Counselor Colorado Area

By Nichole Cunningham


The services of a substance abuse counselor Colorado area are not just limited to those individuals who have difficulties with either drugs or alcohol. However, when the subject is talked about, it is certainly these two areas that immediately spring to mind. Some people are now starting to notice a more common problem among young females, and this is an eating disorder.

A counsellor will also have to deal with certain behavioral problems quite often linked directly with the substance abuse. The counsellors will be experienced, whether this experience has been gleaned from other community social programs, or the counsellor might well be a reformed abuser themselves. It is safe to say that one way or another, these counsellors will have had hands on experience.

Concerning educational standards, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma, or an equivalent for entry level. The candidate would then undergo further training, which might also include further education, and a certain amount of helping with casework. Due to the nature of this work, personnel do sometimes "burn out", but they do tend to stay within the sphere of social health care.

Once they have received their qualifications a counsellor could find themselves working in a range of locations. The ones with the most experience might well find themselves being taken into private practice, whereas the rest are most likely to find themselves working at a variety of institutions. These could be mental health facilities, prisons or for a social welfare agency.

Many people have the wrong idea about what a substance abuse counsellor actually does. For the most part they work under the instruction and guidance of a physician, psychologist or social workers, but are an essential part of the team. They will also provide help to family members and friends who have also been affected by the trouble associated with the abuse. It is often thought of as one of the most challenging, and therefore rewarding, aspects of social services.

It is a misconception that counsellors provide the actual psychological therapy, which still remains the duty of the psychologist. A counsellor will often provide one to one sessions with the affected individual, or even group sessions. At these meetings the individual is encouraged to talk about their problem and are then provided with possible strategies or techniques with which to help themselves. The counsellor will also be responsible for monitoring any progress, or even any potential for slipping further back along the recovery route.

The counsellor is responsible for accurately recording these sessions and passing on this information to the physician or psychologist. Consequently a good command of the English language is often a sought after attribute. Patience and understanding are also very highly recommended, as is a supportive nature and a desire to help others. It is important that a counselor comes across as caring and compassionate.

Typically, a substance abuse counselor Colorado area will find themselves helping the individual with various practical aspects of their lives. This could quite often be something along the lines of finding steady employment, something that the individual might struggle with. They can also refer the individual to various agencies and outreach programs that might also be able to offer additional support.




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