Are you struggling to overcome an addiction?
Whether you came through an intervention or made the decision on our own if you’re ready to start facing your addiction you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a substance abuse counselor can make all the difference in your success.
But not all counselors are the same.
And finding a counselor who specializes in the substance to which you’re addicted is crucial.
Who Is the Best Substance Abuse Counselor for You?
Just as you would with any doctor, there are a number of factors to consider before you decide on a counselor.
1. Get Referrals
Start by contacting an area addiction treatment center. Even if you don’t end up getting help from the center, they might be able to put you in touch with one of their counselors.
You may also want to attend an addiction support group. The people you meet in the group can refer you to a qualified counselor.
Other resources include hospitals, churches and other health professionals who can give you a reference.
Finally, if you have insurance, your insurance company should be able to provide you names of counselors who are covered under your plan. Additionally, they should list covered providers in each specialty on their website.
2. Study Counselor’s Website
Is the counselor you’re considering up to date on treatment approaches?
How much does he or she know about harm reduction, 12-step facilitation, motivational interviewing, or mindfulness-based stress reduction or relapse prevention?
Don’t hesitate to email the counselor you’re considering and ask these questions.
3. Check Online Reviews
Of course, as with all online reviews, be careful to read between the lines.
There are exceptional substance abuse counselors who may not have reviews online, simply because it’s not ethical to ask patients for reviews.
Others will enlist colleagues to write reviews for them, which is a helpful way to get recommendations.
And finally, one bad review doesn’t make for a bad counselor. It might be the result of a counselor who just wasn’t a good fit. So be sure to read all of the reviews to get a fair assessment.
4. Speak with the Counselor
Once you’ve done the footwork, a phone conversation with your potential counselor can tell you a lot.
When you speak to him or her, you want to feel a sense of confidence, security, and trust. This part is absolutely crucial.
Let the counselor know that you’re shopping around and that you’d like to ask some questions to see if it makes sense to set up an appointment. The therapist will also be able to determine if you’re a good fit for him or her.
If there’s a connection, then the next step is setting up a face-to-face appointment.
And if it isn’t there, don’t worry. This isn’t unusual. In most cases, the drug counselor can then offer you a referral to someone who might be a better fit.
You Can Do This
Making the decision to face your addiction required incredible bravery.
So congratulations.
Now it’s time to find the substance abuse counselor who’s going to help make a life free of addiction a reality.
And if you’re not struggling alone and want help for a loved one or family friend, contact us today to talk about setting up an intervention. You could save more than just your life.
How to Choose the Right Substance Abuse Counselor
