Addiction counseling is the process of treating individuals with an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other addictive behaviors. Counseling can take many different forms, including one-on-one, group, and family therapy (SAP Evaluation DOT Near Me).

Addiction counselors help their clients develop coping skills, develop a support system and work through the psychological effects of addiction. Addiction counseling can be an important part of the recovery process for many people.

The following paragraphs will give an overview of what defines an addiction counselor, the different types of counseling they offer, and how to become one. This will help you in your journey to becoming an addiction counselor (DOT Qualified SAP Near Me).

According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness, addiction counselors are defined as “Mental health professionals who provide treatment and support to people with substance use disorders (SUDs), their families, and loved ones. Addiction counselors work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient SUD treatment facilities, criminal justice settings, and private practice (SAP Assessment Near Me).”

Qualified addiction counselors provide several different types of counseling to patients. The goal of counseling is to help patients identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that contribute to their addiction. Patients typically meet with a counselor one-on-one, but may also participate in group therapy sessions. Family counseling may also be recommended to help patients repair relationships that have been damaged by addiction (FMCSA SAP Near Me).