7 Things to Know about Drug Counselors

7 Things to Know about Drug Counselors
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The relationship between drug counselor and patient is one of the most important points of drug recovery. If an individual does not feel comfortable with his or her counselor, it is unlikely that positive strides will be made during drug treatment. Conversely, a positive experience with a drug counselor is like having a great teacher when young and in school -the relationship is one that can single-handedly change a life.

With tens of thousands of drug counselors in the U.S., knowing what to look for can be intimidating. The following list contains some important facts to understand before entering into counseling. These points help the individual know what to look for, and what to expect from the counselor.

7 things you should know about drug counselors

  1. Great counselors will not force their program onto others. Like everyone else in life, counselors have their preferred way of doing things. This includes treatment styles for those in drug or alcohol rehab. But maybe the individual doesn’t mesh with the counselor’s style. Then what? A true professional would never force their methodologies on any patient. They will either try to shift to meet the needs of the individual, or help find a new counselor better suited to the individual’s personality.
  2. Great counselors are tough but kind. Great counselors strike a balance between being supportive and pushing their patients into the uncomfortable places they need to be in order to make real breakthroughs. No counselor is going to be a push-over, but neither will they have hearts made of steel.
  3. Counselors should specialize in the type of person they are treating. If an individual is a teen with a drug addiction, they should work with counselors who specialize in teens and substance abuse. The same applies for women, the elderly, the gay and lesbian community, or anyone else who would benefit from specialized care.
  4. Counseling session times rarely vary. Initial meetings with a counselor may take up to 2 hours, as the individual provides background and other important information. But after that, almost any counseling session you will run 45-50 minutes.
  5. Don’t worry if the counselor isn’t talking much at first. Initial sessions with a counselor can be intimidating. The individual is opening up about painful past events, but not getting any feedback from the counselor! Not to worry, during this period the counselor is likely to be taking copious notes and performing an “intake” of the individual’s particular situation.
  6. Stay away from outside relationships with the counselor. For the good of the treatment, it is important to keep the relationship with a counselor on a strictly professional basis. Although the individual will, naturally, develop a bond with their drug counselor (or alcohol counselor) it is important to maintain distance.
  7. Great counselors are excellent listeners. At some point during an individual’s sessions, they will probably be amazed at how well the counselor is able to remember certain things about the patient. While they are good note-takers, counselors are also fantastic listeners. They remember all the details of what has been said, because the information needed to help the individual beat drug or alcohol addiction may be found in those very details!

Michael’s House features some of the top counselors in the country. Whether they are addressed drug addiction or alcohol abuse, they know the best way to reach out to the individual, and help him or her achieve a sobriety and stay sober for life. Contact Michael’s House today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information.