Changing addictive habits or walking on the path of sobriety is a life-long commitment that requires consistent use of coping mechanisms. We all know how addiction de-wires the brain’s functioning and induces painful symptoms once a person abstains from it. Addiction relapse is thus common among people, especially those suffering from a long-term substance use disorder. Simply put, a person has a risk of relapse even if they have been clean for a long time, which is why addiction counselling has unparalleled prominence in addiction recovery.
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Addiction and Counselling
As per the statistics published by NIH Medline Plus, almost one in ten people is fighting a battle with some form of substance use disorder. Using alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs can create a pleasurable feeling at first, but its regular use can quickly become an addiction.
Then, addiction alters the brain function causing hindrance for people to performing everyday tasks. There are three distinct ways in which you can observe addiction:
- Losing control over substance use
- Cravings for the substance use
- Ongoing involvement with alcohol or drugs, despite its adverse effects
Addiction is a complex disease that affects mental and emotional balances and disrupts physical well-being. Hence, addiction counselling comes into the picture.
An essential tool to maintain sobriety, addiction counselling helps you learn new coping skills without reverting to your old habits. It reduces cravings and lets you live a fulfilling and clean life. Counselling in an addiction luxury rehab centre pays attention to your physical well-being and treats other facets of addiction, including emotions. Sometimes, emotions can be overwhelming, and when dealing with a mental illness or substance use disorder, these emotions become heightened. You feel everything from happiness, sadness, jealousy, joy, shame, anger, etc., in situations that don’t affect you normally. Hence, counselling help releases these feelings and suppress emotions so that you can heal.
Why is Addiction Counselling an Integral Part of Recovery?
According to a survey, individuals who participate in counselling sessions are less likely to experience a relapse as compared to those who don’t. If addiction has been an issue in your life for a while, try getting into an addiction counselling session to fight the disease from a new perspective. One of the most beneficial tools for recovery, counselling teaches you various things, including:
Develops an Inner Motivation: 90% of people resist entering an addiction rehab because they are unsure or too weak to stop the substance abuse. Through motivational interviewing, a type of therapy, you will learn how your actions and behaviours are affecting your life and those closest to you. Thus, developing an inner motivation, counselling helps you take positive steps forward.
Learn New Coping Skills Against Substance Abuse and Relapse: During addiction counselling, you will learn how to cope with your alcohol cravings and situations that may trigger a relapse.
Addiction Counselling can also help you:
- Build self-esteem
- Gain freedom from negativity
- Understand the roots of addiction
- Learn positive habits
- Identify co-occurring disorders
- Learn to deal with peer pressure
- Achieve confidence
- Maintain a positive self-image
- Change your life for the better
- Learn important life-skills
Ways in Which Addiction Counselling is Used in Rehab Centres
There are many different ways in which you can use addiction counselling in a luxury rehab centre. There are many forms of counselling available that will not only help you overcome the addiction but also give you an opportunity to live life with a new, positive perspective.
Behavioural Counselling
Behavioural counselling is a therapeutic approach that uses cognitive behavioural therapy and behavioural modifications to change or eliminate negative behaviours and adopt positive ones. This counselling also helps you cope with unfavourable situations throughout the recovery journey.
Some of the exercises that may be used in behavioural counselling include:
- Journal writing
- Role-playing
- Positive reinforcement
- Modifications in response to anger
- Relaxation methods
- Discussing coping mechanisms
- Counselling During Detoxification
Counselling is the most important aspect of addiction treatment. It eases the emotions, such as anger, pain, irritation, anxiety, etc. that you experience during detoxification and helps you change those negative thoughts into positive ones. Counselling during detoxification helps you lead a healthy, productive life and get rid of the substance use disorder.
Individual Counselling
Individual therapy or individual counselling is a personalised form of treatment provided to patients. While group therapy is helpful for many people, it might not be the solution for you. Individual counselling provides patients with more privacy, which means that the counsellor can connect with them on a personal level. This is perfect for you to understand more about your addiction and how you started it in the first place. The counsellor will also help re-channel your cravings and help you reach your recovery goals.
Group Counselling
Group counselling is a peer group rehab where you are exposed to the experiences and advice shared by other people. One of the most positive aspects of group therapy is that you will meet people who are dealing with the same issues as you are, which not only lets you feel less alone but also help you overcome the addictions smoothly.
Group therapy ensures that you feel at home and whenever you feel sad or emotionally collapsed, your peers will be there to lift you. This relationship also provides you with life-long friendships. While opening up in front of people can be intimidating in the beginning, it will help you achieve victory on the path of recovery.
Intensive Counselling
Intensive counselling or intensive therapy allows you to explore your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and unhealthy behaviours in depth. Intensive therapy works for everyone who would like to maximise recovery in the shortest amount of time. It reduces the risk factors in terms of relapsing and develops an inner strength to control your feelings, thoughts, and actions. A part of short-term rehab, intensive counselling ensures minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Takeaway
Entering rehab is one of the most crucial steps that you take on the path of recovery. While rehab offers various treatment options to patients dealing with mental health conditions and substance use disorder, addiction counselling is the one that helps people learn coping strategies and achieve life-long sobriety. For quick recovery options, attending a luxury rehab centre will help you live a long and healthy life. Also, maintaining a good relationship with the counsellor help you find a whole new life and increase your happiness.