Despite these findings, questions have arisen regarding the applicability and sustainability of contingency management in clinical practice, especially in community-based treatment programs where the cost of the vouchers and the need for frequent urine monitoring can be prohibitive. This approach has been effective in reducing drug use among methadone maintenance patients (39), as well as cocaine-dependent outpatients https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/recommended-vitamins-for-recovering-alcoholics/ (40). Addiction counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed to address the underlying causes of addiction and support individuals in their journey toward recovery.

How much do substance abuse counselors make?

Recovery residences are divided into levels of support based on the type, intensity, and duration of support that they offer.1292Exhibit 4.5 contains more information about recovery housing levels of support. Access to HIV prevention methods, such as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP and PEP are effective medications for preventing HIV transmission and are part of sexual health programs nationwide. These medications can be prescribed by primary care providers, community health centers, and other service providers. Simply offering education about problematic substance use can improve the health of pregnant people and their babies.

Addiction can happen to anyone

It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF | 12 KB)Assures teens with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs that, «It’s not your fault!» and that they are not alone. Encourages teens to seek emotional support from other adults, school counselors, and youth support groups such as Alateen, and provides a resource list. In most states and circumstances, substance abuse counselors must be licensed or certified by the state in which they intend to work. The confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. Clients may also have questions about their legal rights, specifically with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because SUD affects significant life skills, including the ability to work, having a history of SUD may be considered a disability.

What does it mean to have substance use and co-occurring mental disorders?

Those with a higher educational status had greater familiarity and acceptance of evidence-based therapies. Counselors working in residential settings tended to have fewer years of experience. Around 48% of people working in the addictions field hold a master’s or doctorate. Rather than seeing addiction as a personal failing, experts now view addiction as a brain-based condition that involves a substance abuse counseling complex interaction between genetics, brain circuits, the environment, and individual experiences. Approaches to treating substance misuse and addiction have undergone many changes over time.

If you think you have a SUD, consider reaching out to a trusted healthcare professional for an evaluation and to discuss your treatment options. Not only does exercise offer all of the obvious health benefits, but it also shows promise for those in recovery from SUD. Consider participating in positive activities, such as exercise, meditation, and other recreational pastimes.

• Developing and maintaining relationships with providers in the counselor’s area can help them develop strong connections in the community as well as learn about opportunities in the community to support health and wellness for individuals in recovery from substance use–related problems.
• The CBT aspect of the program helps people increase their awareness of substance-using habits and recognize situations that may not be safe.
• People with a SUD may also have other mental health disorders, and people with mental health disorders may also struggle with substance use.
• Some provide general information about addiction or specific types of substances; others connect clients to treatment or community supports.
• This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.
• Unless otherwise specified, the information on our website and in our publications is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission.

Some online platforms allow a degree of anonymity during peer recovery mutual-help meetings (e.g., one can join a meeting using only audio or an alias)—but implementing an anonymous persona is up to the individual. Professional providers, regardless of the mode of recovery support, must adhere to standard ethical requirements (i.e., do no harm, respect participants’ rights to privacy and confidentiality, be culturally sensitive). If clients have experience playing an instrument, taking it up again can connect them with past pleasures and accomplishments. If they are new to music performance, choral singing is an accessible way to start. Many church choirs and community choruses require no more than the ability to carry a tune and will welcome new members.