The Importance of Drug Addiction Counseling

Drug Addiction Counseling - A Brief Overview

Although there are many debilitating diseases that can problematize an individual's ability to lead a healthy and productive life, drug addiction can be a particularly problematizing condition to grapple with. While defined broadly, drug addiction is generally considered to be an addiction to a drug, especially a narcotic drug. Because drug addiction can be such a mentally and physically taxing condition, it is often advisable for individuals struggling with such conditions to seek drug addiction counseling. These services can help drug addicts in many ways, and understanding how they work can be the first step towards engendering permanent recovery. In order to gain a basic understanding of both drug addiction and drug addiction counseling, one should carefully consider relevant data regarding the issue.

Statistics

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports the following statistics regarding drug use for the year of 2012:

• 25.2% of 12th graders have used an illicit drug
• 18.6% of 10th graders have used an illicit drug
• 7.7% of 8th graders have used an illicit drug
• 11% of American high school seniors used synthetic marijuana in the past year

In addition to the drug abuse epidemic that plagues the world of young people today, statistics also indicate that:

• Since 1980, the number of drug overdose related deaths has risen by more than 540%.
• Since 1980, the number of people who have used prescription drugs illegally is suspected to have gone up by more than 500%.

When one considers recent statistics regarding drug use and abuse, the need for intervention in the form of drug addiction counseling becomes plain. Perhaps because of the fact that statistics indicate that the drug abuse epidemic is growing more profound, careers in addiction counseling will grow at a faster than average rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers will grow by up to 21% (nationally) up until 2018.

Understanding Drug Addiction Counseling

Individuals unfamiliar with the world of drug addiction counseling should note that the people who operate within the sector act as the addict's partner in recovery. In essence, the drug addiction counselor helps guide the addict out of the depravity and disease associated with the condition and into a more productive and positive mode of being. These counseling services can be highly effective and are necessary for many reasons, including the fact that drug addicts often feel that they need external support during the recovery process. In addition to this, many drug addicts do not feel comfortable requesting support from friends and family members for fear of condemnation and judgment. While drug addiction counseling methodologies are diverse, they often include some unifying premises that serve as a basic framework for care. Some of them include:

• Recognizing and confirming that a severe, persistent drug problem exists and is the primary disorder (rather than a symptom of a different problem).
• The problems experienced by the drug addict can only be resolved within the realms of the initiation and maintenance of recovery.
• Many drug addicts who have little "recovery capital" (in the form of internal strength and/or support from family and other social networks) cannot attain long-standing recovery without the assistance of a professional. Because this is often the case, it is advisable that the individuals who work with the drug addict have specific knowledge and experience in generating the spiritual, physical, psychological, and social recovery of the addict.

As made evident through research indicating that drug addiction counseling can greatly aid drug addicts in their recovery process, the services offered by trained professionals are oftentimes advantageous and ideal. If you are in need of diagnosis or treatment from drug addiction, be sure to consult with a trained medical professional while seriously considering drug addiction counseling as a viable option to aid recovery.

Source

1. United States Department of Labor
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Monitoring the Future 2012 Survey Results

Meta: The importance of drug addiction counseling during treatment is that it offers unifying premises that serve as a basic framework for addiction treatment care.