Making the decision to get sober is a major achievement. You should be proud of yourself for acknowledging that you have a problem and accepting the fact that you need to ask for help. However, asking for help is only the beginning–there is still a lot of work to be done. While detox involves allowing drugs and alcohol to leave your system, long-term recovery involves digging deep to tackle the root cause of your addiction and overcome unhealthy behaviors. These tasks can only be accomplished in comprehensive counseling sessions.
Counseling and behavioral therapy are at the core of substance abuse treatment. Addiction counseling, in particular, is counseling that focuses on parts of your life that contribute to and are affected by your substance abuse. Addiction counseling is a broad term that may encompass cognitive-behavioral therapy, family counseling, and other types of therapy that promote sobriety.
Therapy should be a safe place where you can be vulnerable, express yourself, and begin to heal. As a result, it’s important that you find the right addiction counselor for you. If you or a loved one are interested in addiction counseling in the Boston area, please speak with one of our qualified admissions counselors at Woburn Wellness today.
What is Addiction Counseling?
Addiction counseling is simply counseling that is designed to help people recover from drug or alcohol addiction. Counselors may use a variety of different approaches depending on your needs. Types of therapy that may be used include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Family therapy
- Psychotherapy
Substance abuse counseling happens over the course of several sessions. The first few sessions are simply dedicated to getting to know your therapist and helping them understand your situation. Your therapist will build trust with you and establish a relationship before making you dive into your emotions, trauma, and other issues.
An addiction counselor will help you work through mental health issues, substance abuse patterns, triggers, relapse prevention, family issues, trauma, and more. Their job is to help you address the root causes of your addiction and develop healthy coping skills so you no longer have to rely on drugs or alcohol for relief.
What Programs Offer Addiction Counseling in the Boston Area?
Anyone who signs up for drug and alcohol treatment at a recovery center will receive counseling. Counseling sessions can be held in both group and individual formats and in a variety of different settings. You may participate in addiction counseling at all levels of care, including:
- Inpatient rehab
- Day treatment
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab (OP)
You can also find substance abuse counseling that takes place on an outpatient basis but is not affiliated with an addiction treatment center. Many independent counselors offer therapy for drug and alcohol recovery, but the best treatment outcomes are associated with a comprehensive, holistic approach like what is offered at a recovery center.
Qualities to Look for in an Addiction Counselor
Just like all patients are unique, all counselors are unique, as well. Whether you are seeking independent counseling or therapy at an addiction treatment program, you may be able to choose your counselor or be matched with the counselor who is the best fit for you.
Qualities to look for in a counselor are:
- Trust and comfort – Your therapist should take steps to gain your trust and make you feel comfortable, but you must also be willing to grow your relationship. However, if you feel as though you can’t trust your counselor or be yourself around them, you won’t be able to achieve the kind of healing you need for long-term sobriety.
- Licensure – Therapists specializing in addiction counseling in Massachusetts may be a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or they may have another type of counseling license. Counselors who may treat people struggling with addiction include Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and more.
- Specialty – Some substance abuse counselors have specific specialties such as marriage counseling, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or stress management. Working with a counselor who specializes in treating people who struggle with the same things you do can be extremely beneficial.
Counseling is covered by insurance. If you are going to rehab, counseling is included in the cost of the program, but you need to choose an in-network rehab center. If you are seeking independent counseling, you should still check to make sure the counselor of your choice accepts your insurance so your therapy sessions are covered.
Find Addiction Counseling in the Boston Area Today
Participating in addiction counseling in a substance abuse treatment program can help you heal from addiction with the added security of peer support, recovery coaching, and more. The first step toward finding an addiction counselor is to get connected with a local drug and alcohol rehab program to verify your insurance. Get started today by verifying your insurance with an admissions coordinator at Woburn Wellness.
Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment providers are licensed clinical treatment professionals committed to compassionate, cutting-edge, evidence-based practice shared in a vibrant exchange between client and clinician. At Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, no one is a passive recipient of our expertise. Our clinical team highly values the experiences of loved ones as well, incorporating family sessions as part of the individual’s treatment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and ready to begin your recovery, we’re here to help. Call now to speak with a compassionate team member.
