Becoming A Substance Abuse Counselor Pasadena

By Jennie Sandoval


There are normally two major stages involved in substance abuse counseling. Firstly, it involves physical withdrawal of the drugs. After that, there is the psychological counseling bit as well as rehabilitation. The approach is appropriate for rehabilitating patients suffering from addictions from street drugs, alcohol and also prescription drugs. There are several types of substance abuse counselor Pasadena dwellers should know.

Normally, there are various types of counseling with respect to substance abuse. The type of counseling one has depends on a number of factors, and these include the age of the patient, potential for harming self or others and also the severity of addiction. The most common counseling approaches are retreat-style, out-patient and in-patient.

Although professional substance counseling mainly relies on talking therapy, it is not the only one. Most importantly, available medications which help in reducing withdrawal symptoms are a major component of any professional therapy. Examples of these medications are ibogaine which is important for treating various addictions and also methadone that helps manage opioid dependence.

To become a counselor, there is no requirement that you study any specific degree. However, taking classes on the mental effects as well as physical effects of addiction is very important. Care classes are also important also, and these can be done at the nursing department of your college.

There are other important considerations that have to be taken into account. It is important that, when a patient recovers to the point of being considered sober, he or she is engaged in relapse prevention. In the event that a counselor is not able to empower the individual to now be in a position where he or she can be in charge of their own lives, there is a great chance that relapse to drug abuse will occur.

Visit the local branch of any alcohol addiction group. Ask if it is possible for you to attend their meetings. This is important to you as it offers you the opportunity to see how counselors work with their patients. However, you need to know that there are some groups which will not like outsiders joining them. This has all to do with protecting their privacy.

Before you venture into this career, prepare to get into a profession which is emotionally stressful. It is possible that you will be working with people who want to reconstruct their lives and who have very troubling tales. To reduce this stress, consider looking into activities like yoga, meditation or running.

Get in touch with the local branch of a given alcohol addiction group. Here, it is possible for you to attend meetings and get to see counselors in action. It is instructive to note however that these addicts may dislike outsiders coming in. This is to protect their privacy.

Becoming certified is very important in enhancing your credential as a counselor who is licensed and certified. To be certified, you will need to have worked for certain number of hours. This makes you eligible for an exam. The above are just some of the requirements for becoming a substance abuse counselor Pasadena residents ought to know.




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