Addiction Counselling: How to Achieve Sobriety

Because of the stigma that is still attached to drug and alcohol addiction, many people never get the help they need. They would rather live with their addictions than search for addiction counselling.

Anyone who has struggled with a substance addiction will already be aware of how difficult it is to overcome such an illness; especially without professional help. While there are some who manage to kick their habits themselves, these individuals are definitely in the minority. The very nature of addiction means that the affected person will feel a constant need to satisfy an urge and will have little or no control over his or her actions.

It is not uncommon for those who have tried to quit drugs or alcohol themselves to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that quickly subside once they begin drinking or taking drugs again. The fact that withdrawal symptoms are eased by the toxic substance makes it very hard for those with addiction issues to quit. This is the main reason so many individuals return to alcohol and drug use while in recovery.

It is generally accepted that those who want to overcome addiction will need counselling to help tackle the underlying issues and cause of the addictive behaviour. Only then can the individual move on and learn to live a drug- or alcohol-free life.

Counselling for Addiction

It is not just alcohol and drug addiction that requires addiction counselling. Those who are affected by other addictions such as gambling, sex, shopping, pornography or eating disorders all require addiction counselling in order to conquer their illnesses.

Counselling is about treating the mind, body and spirit, and helping the patient to understand their illness and how it has affected not only themselves but also the people they love. Most rehabilitation clinics use a variety of counselling techniques and treatments to help patients overcome their illnesses. Patients are typically given a treatment plan tailored to their requirements, which will include a variety of treatments such as contingency management, individual counselling sessions, motivational interviewing, 12-step therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and family therapy sessions.

How to Find Addiction Counselling

With so many addicts preferring to live with their illness rather than reaching out for help, it is understandable that one may not know where to turn for help. Their first instinct may be to turn to the family doctor, but you may be surprised to find out that the local GP has little or no experience or knowledge of addiction and/or the best places for treatment.

Here at Recovery.org.uk, many of our staff have been through a recovery journey, and we pride ourselves on the vast experience and knowledge we have when it comes to helping those with addiction issues of their own.

We have built a massive database of addiction counselling options in all parts of the UK and beyond, and we can provide you with a free assessment and referral to ensure that you get the best treatment possible. Patient care and safety are our number one priority, and we take each individual’s circumstances into account before making any referral. We want you to overcome your addiction, and we want to ensure you are happy and comfortable with your choice. In doing this, we will discuss all of your options with you and will provide you with all the information you need to make the right choice for your care.

Addiction and Denial

It is often the case that the family members and friends of an addicted individual can see there is a problem long before the person who is affected can. This may because he or she is in denial about the addiction.

Denial is the brain’s defence mechanism that protects the person from an unpleasant reality. Those with addiction are not being stubborn or pig-headed; they are just unable to see the truth of what lies before them. They may be afraid of what addiction recovery may mean for them and might also be scared of what sober life will be like. For many, it is much easier to deny that the problem exists than to accept it and have to take action.

Many enter rehabilitation still practising denial. Denial is one of the biggest barriers to a successful recovery, but addiction counselling can help patients to see their situation for what it really is. Motivational interviewing is often used to help break down the barrier of denial. This supportive and non-confrontational approach is designed to increase the patient’s motivation to overcome his/her addiction by accepting help.

Commitment to Recovery

Addiction counselling is hugely beneficial in the treatment of addiction, but it will only work when the patient is ready to make the necessary changes to his or her life. A large number of individuals enter rehab because they have been railroaded into it by family members who mean well but who do not understand that recovery from addiction is only possible if the addict wants to change.

While addiction counsellors can support and help the addict through the process of rehabilitation, they cannot and should not be responsible for that person’s recovery. It is up to the individual to take charge of his or her life and to make the necessary changes for a new and improved life.

Addiction counsellors will be there to help and guide the recovering addict through the process and will help him or her to identify the cause of the illness. Counsellors will also help the recovering addict to learn how to live a sober, independent life, but again, can only do this if the individual is willing to commit to the process.

Honesty is vital when it comes to addiction counselling. The patient must learn to be completely honest and open with the counsellor in order to have the greatest chance of success. A good addiction counsellor will know how to get his or her patient to open up and confront the issues that have led to the illness in the first place.