Pages

With Drug And Alcohol Counseling PA Residents Manage Substance Abuse Problems

By Claire Bolton


Using treatment provided by drug and alcohol counseling PA residents find hope in managing their substance abuse problem. The problem is most often found in individuals between 12 and 26. The program addresses a problem that continues to grow in the USA.

Addictions are considered chronic illnesses. Like other chronic conditions, there is no cure for an addiction. However, it is possible with treatment for the individual to manage the symptoms. For many individuals, this means it is possible to live a clean and sober life, even though they will always be considered an addict.

There are many different types of programs available. Inpatient programs require the patient to live in a facility free of drugs while undergoing therapy on a daily basis. Outpatient programs allow the individual to live at home and continue to work while attending sessions for six to eight hours each week. The best type of program will depend on the individual and substance of choice.

Many patients will need detox in preparation for the therapy program. A detox program addresses one's physical addiction to a drug. Withdrawal symptoms are often severe. In many cases, it is withdrawal that breaks a person's commitment to stop using drugs. With medical supervision, safety during the process is ensured.

As addictions to drugs affect the individual in many different social settings, counselors may use therapy to address these settings. For example, the client might spend time in a group setting or in one on one with the counselor. Sometimes, families are asked to participate in the treatment. Most often, counselors in this field approach the illness using cognitive behavioral therapy. This allows individuals to recognize triggers leading to substance abuse and find new ways to deal with the triggers.

When dealing with a teen, it is best to choose a program specifically designed to meet their special needs. Most teens do not do well in adult programs. These programs place special emphasis on group sessions that use peer pressure in a positive way to help the teen make better decisions in managing his or her addiction to drugs.

Once the client completes the intensive therapy program, he or she continues to need to manage the symptoms of addiction. Aftercare programs are an essential part of managing an addiction. This type of care can take place in a 12-step modeled support group or through continued meetings with the counselor for fewer sessions than took place initially.

Those fighting addiction as well as their family members should understand the nature of this disease includes occasional setbacks. Many people who successfully manage symptoms of addiction today have failed in the past. Sometimes they must go through the process again beginning with detox. At other times, they are able to return to therapy and begin managing symptoms again. Failures do not necessarily mean the program did not work.

With drug and alcohol counseling PA citizens can begin managing the symptoms of an addiction. While managing one's disease is far from easy, many find the effort worthwhile. The program allows the individual to once again take a productive role in society.




About the Author: