Substance Abuse Counseling can help those caught get away from their crippling addictions.
Drug abuse is a big problem for many individuals, not just those who happen to have particularly addictive personalities that are susceptible to a number of different substances. Substance abuse counseling is a great way out of the trap that many drug users fall into. Without a shoulder to turn to they can potentially fall deeper and deeper into the slump that they’re in and might find it particularly difficult to recover from it in the long run. With a support structure behind them, breaking free from the horrors of drug addiction can be a huge blessing, and often one that they have been chasing for many years, looking for just the right solution to finally be able to pull everything together once and for all. The right amount of determination and commitment, you can come away a lot better off than you were in the past, which is commendable progress.
Substance Abuse Counselors should be able to identify this drug.
Substance Abuse Counseling Program: What are Bath Salts?
The article, “‘Bath Salts’ Act In The Brain Like Cocaine”, source: Medical News Today states
“The use of the synthetic stimulants collectively known as “bath salts” have gained popularity among recreational drug users over the last five years, largely because they were readily available and unrestricted via the Internet and at convenience stores, and were virtually unregulated.”
Because this drug can be purchases some what legally on the streets it is important that all substance abuse counselors know what it can do. Bath salts are a dangerous drug and we need to prepare ourselves for its fallout.
If you are interested in taking a substance abuse counseling program, then perhaps you would like to visit our website.
Substance abuse counselor strategies are the answer to a challenging problem to treat. Most substance abusers derive a lot of pleasure from their substance abusing behaviors. In order to effectively overcome their additions, they need to make a lot of important psychological changes. The main role of a substance abuse counselor is to facilitate these changes.
A Substance Abuse Counselor Should Empathize with the Client’s Situation
A substance abuse counselor should care about their clients’ well being.
The most important strategy a substance abuse counselor can employ is empathizing with clients. Empathizing with clients does not mean excusing their behavior and helping them to avoid the negative consequences of their drug abuse. Empathizing with clients involves identifying with the emotional and social backdrop of their drug abuse and letting them know that they are not alone.
Social support is a major factor in successful substance abuse treatment. While it is ideal if the client obtains social support from a wide variety of sources, support from their substance abuse counselor is definitely helpful. Clients that feel unsupported by their counselors are much more likely to relapse or completely discontinue treatment. Emphasize the Client’s Personal Responsibility for Change
The clients that recover from substance abuse the most effectively, are, generally speaking, those that take the most personal responsibility for their predicament. Clients that refuse to accept any responsibility for their actions generally have a very poor prognosis. Successful counselors do their best to guide clients to take more responsibility for their actions.
This does not mean, however, that aggressive strategies are employed to force the client to acknowledge responsibility for their actions. Clients tend to react in a counter-productive fashion to accusations and aggressive hints that they are failing to accomplish important goals. Present research supports the idea that gentle guidance is preferable to more aggressive counseling.
Emphasizing the client’s personal responsibility for change can be effected in a number of subtle, beneficial ways. One of the best strategies for accomplishing this is analyzing the client’s actions in terms of the client’s motives, beliefs, and other psychological aspects instead of in terms of external forces. The more clients adopt what is known as an “internal locus of control,” the more rapidly they will succeed with their prescribed treatment regimen. Negotiate Treatment Goals
We should learn to set realistic treatment goals.
Not all clients have the same treatment goals at the start of treatment. Counselors with a “hard-hitting” approach that tend to disregard clients’ personal treatment goals are much less likely to be successful with effecting lasting change than counselors that seriously take into account their clients’ personal treatment goals. Of course, most counselors want all their clients to completely break the destructive cycle of substance abuse they are caught up in.
Gradually helping the client to adjust their treatment goals to more closely match those of the counselor is a good idea. Influencing changes in the clients’ personal treatment goals is not easy, but it can be done if the counselor has sufficient patience and empathy for the client. For the first couple of visits, the counselor should focus more on keeping the client interested in treatment than emphasizing specific treatment goals. Retention is a big problem in an outpatient setting. Consequently, retaining clients is of key importance. Avoid Frustration and Anger
Clients are remarkably perceptive when it comes to picking up on feelings of frustration or anger. Counselors that want to make a lot of progress with their clients need to avoid the temptation to display frustration or anger when their clients fail to fully comply with prescribed behaviors. Relapses are common in substance abuse treatment, and it is the role of counselors to help minimize the occurrence of relapses without showing undue anger towards their clients.
Clients generally react badly to displays of anger for a variety of reasons. Most clients become defensive in the face of anger. It is not uncommon for them to rationalize their actions as appropriate when they receive angry criticism. This rationalization process is almost always counterproductive. The more clients engage in it, the less likely they are to successfully complete treatment.
Avoiding frustration and anger can be difficult for substance abuse therapists, because substance abuse therapy does not always have a stellar success rate. Substance abuse is a very difficult-to-change behavior. While it is true that future advances in anti-addiction drugs may make substance abuse therapy more successful, right now there are few helpful anti-addition drugs, and they play an insignificant role in most substance abuse therapy programs.
With substance abuse counseling your clients will learn to push drugs away!
If you are interested in earn your substance abuse counseling certification then you might want to visit our webpage.
Despite the fact that substance abuse is a serious threat to our youth nowadays, more and more teenagers start to consume dangerous substances, unaware of their implications in the long run. In this article I will present you the importance of substance abuse prevention in schools today, as well as their main benefits.
Drug Prevention Programs In High Schools
Substance Abuse programs for a drug free school system do work!
It is better to prevent than to treat, and that is a fact. Fortunately, over the past decade, more and more schools across the territory of the USA started programs that aim to prevent substance abuse. It is the responsibility of school administrators to determine the percentage of teenagers that consume illegal substances and to take the necessary measures to stop them from doing so and prevent others from starting to use illegal substances. The best way to do so is by using anonymous surveys.
It is essential to raise awareness among teenagers with regards to the dangerous effects of drugs, as well as to inform them about all the legal aspects. Very few teenagers are actually aware of the risks associated with the use of illegal substances, and this is one of the main factors that contribute to the increasing number of teenagers that consume dangerous substances.
Nonetheless, it must be mentioned that the term “substance abuse” does not only refer to drugs and illegal substances, but to alcohol and tobacco as well. Even though the latter is less dangerous, students must be warned about the dangerous health risks they expose themselves at each time they consume such substances.
Regarding drug prevention programs in high schools, school administrators usually focus on education. Education is undoubtedly the most efficient “weapon” when it comes to preventing substance abuse. Teachers inform their students about how can drugs and alcohol interfere with their day-to-day activities and the tremendous impact they have on one’s health. Fortunately, there are various prevention principles that apply in junior high school which turn out to be highly effective.
Besides the fact that school administrators try to raise awareness among teenagers, they also inform both teachers and students about the consequences of drug abuse. Every high school has its own policy, but all high schools are obliged to notify the police if any illegal substances are discovered. The first substance abuse programs were initiated more than half a century ago, and they have been significantly improved throughout time.
Some of the most important and efficient substance abuse programs in high schools are “Just Say No!”, “Keepin’ it REAL” (which is among the top 3 most efficient programs) or D.A.R.E. (The Drug Abuse Resistance Education). Putting it in a nutshell, these programs teach students how to recognize the risks of substance abuse, how to refuse substance-related offers and how to build strong decision-making skills.
Substance abuse counseling helps people overcome addictions.
ith regards to the substance abuse programs in schools today, the most known programs include Narconon International (with more than 40 years of experience in the prevention of substance abuse) or SADD (acronym for Students Against Destructive Decisions). These programs not only focus on preventing substance abuse, but also on raising awareness regarding the dangers of drinking and driving. They promote responsible, healthy lifestyles.
The purpose of these substance abuse programs in high school is to help students make good decisions and avoid self-destruction, since substance abuse is extremely harmful in the long run. The programs also aim to prevent violence by providing positive role models. These prevention programs turned out to be highly effective, since the number of students that abuse substances has significantly decrease. Nonetheless, the results vary from one high school to another, due to the fact that every high school has its own substance abuse policy.
D.A.R.E., One Of The Main Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
At the moment, D.A.R.E. is undoubtedly one of the most known programs in the United States of America. As a matter of fact, recent studies have revealed the fact that D.A.R.E. is implemented in approximately three out of four high schools. The D.A.R.E. program was founded almost 30 years ago, back in 1983, and since then it has been teaching children how to fight substance abuse. “Keepin’ it REAL”, or simply “KiR”, is the most effective evidence-based prevention program initiated by D.A.R.E. USA. Besides the fact that it is very efficient, this program turned out to be cost-effective as well.
SADD, A Program Against Risky Behavior
Basically, SADD aims to teach students the dangers of drinking and driving and how can substance abuse affect their lives. The program provides students efficient prevention tools that allow them to take the best decisions and avoid risky activities that can be life-threatening. SADD also supports funding for various mental health services and for anti-violence programs in high schools.
Make your life a drug free zone.
Narconon
As stated above, Narconon is another highly important program that aims to prevent substance abuse in high schools. The program provides useful information regarding the side effects and social implications of drug consumption, and it teaches students how to resist external influences, whether they come from so-called friends or other people. The program focuses mainly on group discussions.
The Benefits Of Substance Abuse Programs
It is essential to teach students the dangers of substance abuse when they are young, to provide them quality principles for a healthy and happy life. This way, they are more likely to avoid smoking or drinking when they grow up. In other words, substance abuse education in junior high school is vital.
Prevention programs have numerous benefits. They not only warn students about the dangerous effects of substance abuse, but they also teach them how to develop essential decision-making skills that will help them fight drugs later in life. It must be mentioned, though, that the techniques and methods used in these prevention programs are different compared to the ones used several decades ago: they put emphasis on social skills and they help children become aware of the main misbeliefs regarding substance abuse.
To sum up, these are the basics of substance abuse prevention programs in high schools. They are highly effective and they come to support the substance abuse policy of every high school. Fortunately, there are many programs that focus on prevention nowadays, and the number of students that consume tobacco, alcohol and illegal substances are expected to drop even more in the following years.
If you want to earn your substance abuse counseling certificate then you might want to visit our website.
A good substance abuse program can end the cycle of addiction.
One of the most destabilizing problems that can occur in the life of an individual or even within a family is the problem of substance abuse. Substance abuse refers to situations where people misuse mind altering substances such as drugs or alcohol usually in an attempt to deal with some underlying problem. There are a wide range of reasons why people decide to abuse substances and a wide range of substances which can be abused. Helping someone with a substance abuse problem is far from easy and for that reason it is vital to seek the help of a substance abuse program service of some type. Substance abuse counselors are experienced with treating a variety of different abuse problems. They can help people get to the root of why they are choosing to abuse substances and help them find alternative strategies of coping and managing their condition. It is vital to seek help as soon as possible before a substance abuse problem worsens.
If you are interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor or want to learn more about how to help substance abusers then you might want to look into our online substance abuse counseling courses. They are designed to be self-paced and help you receive the training needed to help those in need. Check out our website for full information.
The struggle with addiction is an uphill battle. Asking for help is not always easy because getting the help you need is often overwhelming. A substance abuse counselor will talk with you, so you won’t feel like you’re all alone. They will ask questions and find out what causes your addiction. The problems of addiction are the withdraws, the dependence and the strain it puts on your life. Locating the root cause of your addiction is necessary for long-term recovery. Treatment facilities are also available, and the staff is on call to help you every step of the way. Once you are abstinent from the substance, they will teach you how to stay sober. The substance abuse counselor will explain what behavior you should avoid. You may need to undergo radical changes in past behaviors and/or associations with friends. The recovery will take some effort on your part, but you will be happy you stuck with the program. There are other substance abuse patients who can relate what you are going through, and they can provide moral support.
If you know anyone reaching out for support with their addictions then you should find a way to get them the help they need. Many communities and churches have support groups like AA and other guided groups to show people that they do not need to have their lives ruined by substance abuse. For more information on becoming a substance abuse counselor please check out our site. Bruce Gideon
The term “substance abuse”covers a very wide range of disorders. The most prominent examples are related to the abuse of illegal drugs, or the misuse of legal substances such as glue or aerosol gases. However, actions such as the use of steroids by those engaged in sports also comes under this broad heading, as does the use of an otherwise legally and socially accepted substance in a way that can cause harm to the user or society, for example, drunk driving. Since a large proportion of abused substances are addictive, it is important to understand the options available to try to resolve the problem. The suitable treatment regime will differ from person to person, and should be drawn up by, or at least with the help of, an expert in the field. In some cases, a “talking treatment” such as cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended; in others, the emphasis might be on the use of medication. the term substance abuse James Gordon
Substance Abuse Counseling for Bath Salts: A Psychological Time Bomb
‘Bath Salts‘ are a relatively new drug to hit the market, following in the wake of the ‘plant food’, methadrone. Despite the name, they have no relation to the salts that you and I use for a relaxing soak; rather the name for another drug that has been manufactured specifically for the purpose of getting high. It has already spread across America, with the rate of spread increasing at an alarming rate. Sold under many names representing particular ‘strains’ the chemicals inside rarely differ to too much of a degree.
These are real bath salts and do not have any drug properties at all.Bath salts are actually synthetic cocaine. “Bath Salts” is just a street name.
The active chemicals, the parts that have an actual effect are pryovalerone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone and mephedrone. All of which are stimulants designed so that your heart beats faster and you have much more energy. The effects of bath salts could even be described as being LSD like in the hallucinations and visions that they invoke. While they are similar in effect to drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine or speed, there is a large distinction between them. Bath Salts do not offer the same euphoria as these drugs and typically will mean that the user will experience confusing and frightening times.
As they have hit the market and managed to circumvent the anti-drugs legislation, they are quickly becoming a very popular drug amongst young people. The fact that it is legal means that it is sold by head shops and on the internet in large quantities. One of the few ‘advantages'(the term used loosely) of the legality of bath salts is that purveyors will have no reason to pollute the drug with cheaper components, as they will already be available cheaply. It is shipped from the east: India, China and Asia, then packaged into whichever garb it is being sold under. The packages do contain a warning about not being suitable for human consumption. But the rest of the packaging makes it obvious to any reader exactly what the product is for.
The major problem with bath salts, as with all of the new designer drugs that hit the market is that since they are so new there is next to no information on the long term effects of abuse. Even a relatively well policed drug like thalidomide managed to make it to the market and be well used before the terrible effects were realized. These legal highs are already pushing the boundaries of toxic chemicals, the potential unknown long term effects could be devastating. Whilst even knowing the difference between a normal and a fatal dose is guesswork.
What is already known about the side effects of the drugs is extremely bad news. Users have displayed symptoms of stimulant overdose and brain damage. Delusions and paranoid hallucinations can be very common. With studies showing that up to 50% of users are likely to develop a form of schizophrenia.
There are already a great many cases where people high on bath salts have had psychotic breaks and been driven to commit quite violent and disturbing acts.
The news story that has been at the forefront of peoples’ minds lately is of the man, Randy Eugene who ran naked through the streets until he found a homeless pensioner, who he brutally attacked and tried to eat the face of. He actually took bites out of another man’s face. Apparently bath salts were already illegal in Miami Florida where the attack took place. But this incident and many others like it are causing a stir amongst the authorities. There are already plans in place to ban the active components of the drug.
It is clear from the sheer numbers of people being admitted to hospitals and poison control centers that this drug is already out of control. Topped off with the amount of violent and bizarre crimes being committed by the users. There are many tales of people becoming scared of the paranoid hallucinations that are afflicting them and trying to escape. In most cases this means putting other people at serious risk. This means for most cases that the users who are already delusional and a huge risk to their own and public safety are then extremely likely to direct their anger towards the very people who are trying to diffuse the situation.
What is clear is that anyone using such a drug is putting their physical and mental health under a massive strain. No good can come of this and if we do not act to curb the drug soon as schizophrenia and madness could reach epidemic proportion.
In conclusion: Bath Salts have nothing to do with baths or zombies.
Are you interested in becoming an Abuse Counselor? If so please check out the link provided.
Substance abuse is the abuse of illicit drugs and other legal substances, like alcohol, in excess. It is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. Research suggests that at least 25% of deaths are caused both directly and indirectly to substance abuse. There are many ways to combat it including rehab, counseling, and medication. Most treatments are not used alone, but are used in conjunction. One such treatment is substance abuse counseling. This treatment consists of therapy sessions with a licensed practitioner to attempt to uncover the cause of the abuse and avoid future abuse. The counseling focuses on behavior modification and making good life choices. The sessions can be held one on one or in a group setting. Many counseling services use both approaches, since one therapy may not necessarily fit one person. One can find such therapies by referral from a healthcare practitioner, social worker, or rehab facility. Learn to Combat substance abuse with proper information.
The world is a cold, dark, lonely place for people who are battling substance abuse addictions. In many cases, they have nowhere to go and no one they can turn to, so they comfort themselves with drugs and alcohol. You know that this is no way to live. Maybe you were even there once, yourself. Who could possibly be better at substance abuse counseling than someone who knows exactly what each cold, lonely day feels like? If this describes you well, or you have the intense desire to help people with substance abuse problems, consider becoming a certified substance abuse counselor. On top of the credentials necessary to get into the AIHCP program, all you need is passion, determination, the desire to make a difference in the world, and $200.00. This is a small price to pay for the rewarding work you will be granted in the future as a result of your certification.
