Addiction is a serious issue in society.  Addiction tears apart families and destroys relationships.  Knowing that one is addicted is the first step to recovery.

It is usually very self apparent if one is addicted, but there are questions and measurements to evaluate if one is addicted.  Substance Abuse Counselors can go through a series of questions to determine if someone is addicted.

The article, “How Addiction Is Diagnosed” by Chrystine Wagner takes a closer look at addiction and what the dictates if one is addicted.  She states,

“Since addiction is often a self-diagnosed condition, recognizing or deciding you may be struggling with an addiction is often one of the biggest challenges in recovery. Everyone who has an addiction comes to that recognition in different ways.  Questions to ask yourself if you think you may have an addiction include…”

To read the entire article, please click here

The most common elements are over indulgence and the inability to stop.  Other factors to consider include loss of time for other things, broken relationships, loss wages and jobs, and excessive time and spending on the habit.

To learn more about addiction, please review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Addiction treatment plans differ and vary depending on the severity and type of addictions.  For most substances, licensed counselors or professional therapists will prescribe certain medications, as well as supply certain behavioral therapies.  Substance Abuse Counselors can play a role in guiding others at a lower level with basic guidance and encouragement and direction.

The article, “How Addiction Is TreatedA” by Ruth Edwards supplies an indepth look at a variety of treatment responses to a multitude of different drugs.  She states,

“Addiction is a complex chronic brain condition that is characterized by substance abuse or repetitive engagement in preblematic behaviors, such as gambling, which then continues despite causing harm to yourself or others.1 It involves interactions between the brain, genes, and environmental factors.  Common treatment approaches include behavioral therapies and medications. Different treatment options are recommended depending on the specific addiction, and in many cases, a combination of approaches is advised.”

The article then covers a myriad of different substances and recommended treatment plans.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling Training.

Addiction is a powerful thing even during normal times.  Isolation and quarantine can make addiction even harder.  Lack of social support, counseling and being around other people can make one turn towards addicting things.  Instead of connection, the person returns to addiction.

The article, “Managing Addiction Recovery During Self-Isolation” from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials takes a closer look how one can manage addiction during self-isolation.  The article states,

Managing addiction recovery can be difficult at any time but the recent coronavirus pandemic has made doing so even harder. Besides affecting in-person meetings and appointments, current quarantine rules have also put extra strain on those struggling with recovery. But that doesn’t mean any efforts are hopeless. Understanding what triggers can add stress to your situation can make dealing with current circumstances easier. And it’s also important to know how many ways you can still receive the support you need.

To read the entire article, please click here

Identifying triggers is a key part of managing oneself during self isolation.  Being able to ward off the feelings of need is also key.  This is easier said then done but the article above hopes to give a few ways to make it less difficult.  If you would like to become certified in Substance Abuse Counseling and would like to help others, please review AIHCP’s program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

A big issue is the lost work hours due to addiction.  Many individuals miss work or lose their job due to addiction and drugs.  Those who do make it to work end up lagging or lowering productivity.   Some may even harm themselves because of the increase of accident.

These issues can create a dangerous or less productive work environment.  Employers deal with employees who miss work or arrive late on a consistent basis nationwide.  This leads to financial damage to both parties.   It is imperative to prevent addiction from harming one’s job or career.  Some employers offer addiction counseling services.  Others have to seek help on their own.

Others may function with addiction.  This in no way means that the addiction is not destroying the qualify of life.  High functioning addicts are damaging themselves long term even if the short term damage is not as present.

The article, “The Relationship Between Addiction and Job Problems”from Addiction Center states,

“A person suffering from a substance use disorder is not only affecting their own lives, they are impacting their family, friends, co-workers, and managers. If your drug or alcohol use is affecting your job negatively in any way and you continue to use, you may be suffering from a serious addiction”

To read the entire article, please click here

Addiction is a serious issue not only to job and career, but also to family, social life and health.  If addiction is destroying one’s career and job, it is critical to re-assess one’s life and find the help one needs.  Substance Abuse Counselors may be licensed professional counselors or merely trained in the area of substance abuse.  They can offer guidance and help.  If one is interested in becoming certified in Substance Abuse Counseling, then please review the program and see if it matches one’s professional and academic goals.

The role of an addiction counselor is critical in helping individuals overcome addictive impulses as well as substance abuse. Helping individuals overcome this can be achieved through licensed counselors with degrees in counseling, or also through educated professionals, some licensed, others not, who are certified in substance abuse counseling.   Substance Abuse Counseling itself does not require a license, but numerous professionals in the counseling field add such certifications to their background

The article,  “The Role of the Counselor in Addiction Recovery” from Wake Forest University looks at the role of an Addiction Counselor.  The article states,

“Substance abuse counselors provide a necessary support system for individuals recovering from eating disorders, drug and alcohol issues, gambling addictions, and other behavioral issues. By forming a relationship built on trust with their patients, counselors provide the support, resources, and judgement-free guidance that patients can utilize on their road to addiction recovery.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review the Substance Abuse Counseling Training program at AIHCP which helps professional earn a certification in this field.

One of a big issues in recovery for substance abusers is the stimga.  The stigma of being a previous user of whatever drug produces an image of someone undesirable.  Whether in the workforce or among social gatherings, this stigma can make it difficult for addicted to recover.  It is important to help substance abusers to have a healthy self esteem with their recovery

The article, “Reducing Stigma Key in Substance Abuse Recovery” by Jennifer Bryant states,

“Addiction is a mental disorder. We are working very hard to reduce the stigma and change the thinking that this is a moral failing”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program to learn more about helping others recover from Substance Abuse.

More women are drinking and less women are getting the help they need for substance abuse.  Women sometimes are not seen as alcoholics but the reality is they are facing the same issues as men and the numbers are growing.

The article, “Women are Drinking More, but Get Less Help for Alcohol Abuse” states,

However, a recent study found that most people, especially women, with cirrhosis are not receiving substance abuse treatment to help them recover from alcoholism — even if their insurance plan offers coverage for addiction disorders.

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional needs.  With a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling, you can help others overcome their addiction.

Substance Abuse can have large negative effects on employee life and also output at work.  The consequences of substance abuse effect productivity but also employee availability and professionalism throughout the week.  It is critical to have a strong policy on substance abuse with employees.  Still, how can an employer help an employee who is suffering from addiction?  How can an employer help them overcome their issues and become productive employees again?

The article “The Impact of Substance Use Disorder on Professionals and their Employers” by Recovery Unplugged looks at the many issues surrounding this.  The article states,

“Little by little, substance use disorder (SUD) infiltrates every area of a sufferer’s life. One of the most immediate areas in which the impact of excessive drug and alcohol abuse can be felt is in the workplace. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that nearly 11 million full-time workers in the United States struggle with SUD.”

To read the entire article, please click here

With such a high number of SUD it is critical for employers to be well informed on this issue.  Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional needs.