The Importance of Counseling in Opiate Addiction Treatment

If you or your loved one has an opioid addiction you may feel as though your world has just collided. You may want to place blame however doing this will not help. You need to get to the root of the problem and address it. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2002 there were an estimated 980,000 people who were addicted to heroin and other opiates. Opioid addiction is not easy and it is much more than a physical dependence. It is a journey, there will be good days and bad days, there will be times when things seem to go well and there will be time when you are concerned with a relapse. One way to combat some of these times is to be sure you or your loved one receives counseling. It is crucial factor as you strive for recovery from this drug. You must recognize that there will be certain triggers that will cue you to think back to the abuse of the drug. Counseling will help you to learn coping mechanisms to relieve these triggers.

What types of counseling are available?

While we know that a drug affects each person differently, the same principle applies to counseling. It is important to be sure that your counseling sessions address your needs specifically.

Individual and Group Counseling

Counseling in any form is always helpful, however the group sessions do provide an abundance of support. It is helpful to know that others have similar experiences, goals and fears. There are also many established programs such as the Twelve-step programs used by Narcotics Anonymous, which have been helpful in goal setting and rewarding to those who are trying to recover from addiction. Individual therapy may prove to be helpful for those who have additional mental disorders associated with drug abuse.

Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment

Counseling can help you overcome the emotional aspects of addiction.

Inpatient treatment takes you out of the environment that you are so accustomed to using drugs in. It provides you a safe haven of sorts to escape while being under care in a monitored environment. This has proven to be very effective for people as they can ease themselves back into their environment slowly over time. Outpatient takes you out of that environment during the day and you go back to it at night. Some people have found it very difficult to stay drug free, they need that care over the first few months to prevent them from a relapse. Bear in mind most of these therapies can cost a substantial amount of money although rest assured there is financial help out there for some who qualify.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy –better known as CBT teaches you how to react and behave when your mood changes, you have stressor enter any situation which can cause you to crave using drugs again. It provides you with the coping skills to overcome these cravings through a learned behavior and with ongoing support has proven to be very successful.