I individualize my approach for every client, which means I respect and seek to understand where you are right now in your recovery journey. I know you’ve been through some tough, painful times before entering my door. I don’t treat substance abuse on its own, but rather the mental health conditions or difficult life events that accompany your addiction or led to it, to begin with. Inpatient treatment centers typically have counselors on staff to schedule regular meetings with patients and monitor the alcoholic’s recovery. They typically work closely with other members of the inpatient staff, so they can address problems quickly.

• We respect your privacy, and all information shared with us is completely confidential.
• If your therapist shies away from this sort of dialogue, they will not be helpful to you.
• One particularly helpful strategy in counseling someone with a substance problem is Motivational Interviewing.

— an avoidant, isolated, and distracted island (The Book of Waking Up). Along the way, you will face good times as well as challenging times. Your counselor will prepare you for how to get past hurdles and other obstacles that may try to get in the way of your treatment. Biofeedback is commonly used in treating the effects of alcoholism. This type of therapy teaches a person how to control bodily functions that usually happen on their own. The process of biofeedback will show you how to better manage your heart rate, muscle tension, breathing and skin temperature.

Substance use treatment for Veterans

This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disease, just as someone might take drugs to keep their asthma or diabetes in check. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence, and others are being tested to determine whether they are effective. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse.

Often, these titles vary slightly according to state board guidelines, which can be somewhat less standardized from state to state. They may be no less qualified to treat you, but it is important to see someone who is licensed in his or her professional field. Ideally, your clinician would be qualified as both an addiction counselor and as a licensed mental health professional. sober house There are other types of addiction therapists in addition to psychologists who might be helpful, including social workers and licensed professional counselors. Social workers may have their master’s or doctorate, while licensed professional counselors may have only a master’s-level education, though both are trained in mental health issues to varying degrees.

What Is an Addiction Psychiatrist?

Once you find two to three that fit what you’re looking for, talk with them about any questions or concerns you may have. Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Our holistic approach to addiction treatment and recovery has been emulated throughout the world, and we are seen as a standard-bearer of quality and integrity. One particularly helpful strategy in counseling someone with a substance problem is Motivational Interviewing.