When seeking a substance abuse counselor Colorado is an effective location to address problems with chemicals. The treatment process usually starts with evaluation, which differentiates between substance addiction, abuse, and use. Assessment points out the stage of a client's readiness to change, and helps in collaboratively formulating a treatment plan.
From the initial diagnosis, the counselor shares insight with his client, and solicits input in planning a course of treatment that will give ownership to the client. After identifying strengths and possible challenges, they can collaborate on an effective plan to take action.
The topics covered in the assessment give the counselor an idea of a patient's awareness of his condition. It also provides information about the client's level of functioning. Some include, but are not limited to, marital status, legal status, physical health, education, mental health, employment, family, and substance use and abuse. When there are problems other than addiction, there is often a question about causal factors. For example, did depression cause the substance abuse or did the addiction cause the depression?
It is vital that treatment coincides with the current functioning of the patient. It is certainly a waste of time and money to have a person look at ways to moderate or stop drinking if he or she doesn't believe that there is a problem. This often occurs when the court mandates education and treatment for a first offense DUI arrest and a minimal blood alcohol level. The problem is that the person believes the arrest was unfair, and that everyone drives after drinking. Some people actually think they can drive better after a few drinks.
The person described in the previous paragraph would be classified as being in the precontemplative stage. That means there is absolutely no recognition of problematic behavior by the person. Consequences of impaired driving are believed to be caused by external factors. The counselor's task, in this case, is to provide education which explains how chemicals can impair judgement and the ability to safely operate machinery.
The next stage occurs when the client realizes the causal relationship between the substance related problem and the referral for education or treatment. It is called the contemplative stage. It is one in which the participant begins to look at inward, rather than external causes for his problems. There is usually somewhat less suspicion, contempt, and defensiveness from the client. There is normally a little more acceptance of even a possible problem and need to change.
The decision to change begins with the determination stage, followed by the action stage. When recovery is well established, there is usually a little more room to relax somewhat and enjoy the newly found sober and clean lifestyle. Although this maintenance stage is desirable, it is not always free of relapse. On a positive note, however, relapsing often leads to more fierce determination to become and remain sober.
As for licensing standards for a substance abuse counselor Colorado therapists need to be qualified. Their education should enable the practitioner to understand, recognize, and facilitate movement through the stages of change. These stages do not always remain separate and linear, and may promote frustration and confusion for both the counselor and client.
From the initial diagnosis, the counselor shares insight with his client, and solicits input in planning a course of treatment that will give ownership to the client. After identifying strengths and possible challenges, they can collaborate on an effective plan to take action.
The topics covered in the assessment give the counselor an idea of a patient's awareness of his condition. It also provides information about the client's level of functioning. Some include, but are not limited to, marital status, legal status, physical health, education, mental health, employment, family, and substance use and abuse. When there are problems other than addiction, there is often a question about causal factors. For example, did depression cause the substance abuse or did the addiction cause the depression?
It is vital that treatment coincides with the current functioning of the patient. It is certainly a waste of time and money to have a person look at ways to moderate or stop drinking if he or she doesn't believe that there is a problem. This often occurs when the court mandates education and treatment for a first offense DUI arrest and a minimal blood alcohol level. The problem is that the person believes the arrest was unfair, and that everyone drives after drinking. Some people actually think they can drive better after a few drinks.
The person described in the previous paragraph would be classified as being in the precontemplative stage. That means there is absolutely no recognition of problematic behavior by the person. Consequences of impaired driving are believed to be caused by external factors. The counselor's task, in this case, is to provide education which explains how chemicals can impair judgement and the ability to safely operate machinery.
The next stage occurs when the client realizes the causal relationship between the substance related problem and the referral for education or treatment. It is called the contemplative stage. It is one in which the participant begins to look at inward, rather than external causes for his problems. There is usually somewhat less suspicion, contempt, and defensiveness from the client. There is normally a little more acceptance of even a possible problem and need to change.
The decision to change begins with the determination stage, followed by the action stage. When recovery is well established, there is usually a little more room to relax somewhat and enjoy the newly found sober and clean lifestyle. Although this maintenance stage is desirable, it is not always free of relapse. On a positive note, however, relapsing often leads to more fierce determination to become and remain sober.
As for licensing standards for a substance abuse counselor Colorado therapists need to be qualified. Their education should enable the practitioner to understand, recognize, and facilitate movement through the stages of change. These stages do not always remain separate and linear, and may promote frustration and confusion for both the counselor and client.