Substance abuse and dependence has become increasingly prevalent over the last decade. An increasing number of adolescents and young adults continue to engage in risky behaviors including drug, alcohol and prescription pill experimentation. Regardless of age, anyone can suffer from severe substance abuse from teenagers and athletes to persons in a marriage with a family to care for. It is a serious condition requiring immediate professional intervention owing to its complications and risks for the abuser. It also has a profoundly negative and lasting impact on loved ones, across relationships and the ability to maintain a professional career. Looking into the benefits of substance abuse counseling can assist in determining what it is and the steps needed to help individuals and their loved ones overcome a cycle of destruction.
The action plan for a substance disorder is complication because it is often a cofounding disorder. Individuals may be suffering depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress and begin to use substances as a relief or coping mechanism. If the substance abuse is the only condition addressed, the underlying depression or anxiety remains and one is most likely to return to the abusive behavior. It is the role of a practitioner to determine comorbid disorders and the appropriate treatment plan for every patient.
What is Substance Abuse
Substance abuse includes the excessive intake of substances that may cause harm or intoxication including alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication. While any people are on prescription pills or have a social drink, the difference between abuse and normal use is the ability to know when to stop at a responsible level. For prescription medication, it is about adhering to the instructions issued by a medical practitioner to cope with a specific condition. Abuse is when something is used in excess and as it should not be that increases self-harm. It could be drinking to the point of getting drunk and blacking out and the inability to have a single social drink at safe levels. Substance abuse is also shifting from the abuse of these products to complete dependence.
Substance Abuse Counseling – How it can help!
When pills or alcohol are used excessively, it can ruin family relationships, affect your work performance and put you at risk of danger as your inhibitions are lowered. A substance abuse counselor is introduced to determine the extent of the abuse and to create a treatment plan to help affected persons make healthier and improved life choices. The treatment also depends on whether patients are indulging and becoming intoxicated owing to depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions.
If you are struggling to combat substance abuse or suspect a loved one of such behavior, Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching -McDonough is available to assist with professional and individualized management. We address the unique circumstances of each client and focus on both intervention and education to alleviate ongoing substance use and abuse. We can assist in creating the right treatment plan for your well-being and psychological needs. Call us today at 678-853-5849!
