Making the decision to begin treatment for alcohol and drug abuse isn’t easy. This is the first important step on the road to recovery, leading to regained control back over your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many incredible substance abuse counselors out there who will help you every step of the way.
However, choosing the right drug addiction counselor and treatment center can be difficult. The question of how to find a good addiction therapist is a tough one, because so many elements need to be considered. You want to find one that aligns with your goals and values while also delivering the best possible care. Before you decide on an addiction therapist, consider the following factors.
5 Initial Questions to Ask a Drug Addiction Counselor
Read on for 5 initial questions to ask about a drug addiction counselor before considering choosing them for substance abuse treatment..
1. Are they a certified drug addiction counselor?
This is an obvious, but important question. You will want to choose someone who is an experienced and certified substance abuse counselor to be taking charge of your therapy. Look for someone who has an MA or higher and is a licensed drug addiction counselor. The best residential treatment centers and outpatient rehabs list impressive credentials like LADC (licensed alcohol and drug counselor), CCDP (certified co-occurring disorders counselor), CAP (certified addiction professional), CAC (certified addictions counselor) LPC (licensed professional counselor), LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor). It’s also worth looking into whether their treatment center has a physician and psychiatrist on staff. It's important to check that the facility itself holds a drug rehab certification.
2. What is their treatment approach?
Many drug and alcohol treatment centers tailor plans based on an individual’s needs. A lot of these plans involve the 12-Step approach, a widely used method [1]. However, you may or may not want to choose a treatment center that uses that plan.
A great facility will use a multidisciplinary approach that may include relapse prevention, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, art therapy, equine therapy, yoga, psychodrama, and more. These centers should also have verified data on hand to show the long-term effectiveness for provided treatments. Knowing this information puts more power into your hands toward making the best decision for you.
3. Do they provide support for families of addicts?
Unfortunately, addiction affects everyone in the family. Understanding the drug-recovery process helps families heal while building a strong support system for you. Drug addiction counselors should provide education, guidance, and support programs for family members of all ages. Even children should have access to alcohol and drug abuse counseling to show them how to cope with the challenges of addiction.
Addiction can be particularly straining on a couple’s relationship. Some treatment counselors, such as those at Avenues Recovery, are trained to provide rehab for couples. They will treat the damage that substance abuse has caused and help couples work together to get their relationship back on track.
4. Do they do drug testing and how often?
Some addiction treatment counselors include random drug testing as a routine part of their programs. Outpatient rehab centers place more emphasis on this to ensure participants stay clean despite being exposed to triggers and drugs in the outside world. Since testing might be a crucial part of care, it’s important for substance abuse counselors to position it as a positive tool in a patient’s journey. These tests will make sure that you can get the help you need as soon as possible. They also enhance accountability while maintaining a safe treatment facility, in order to maximize your recovery progress.
It would also be worth noting how often the drug addiction counselor sends results to a lab. Any more frequently than twice a week might be a red flag for excessive expense.
5. What are their payment options?
Find out if the substance abuse treatment center will submit insurance claims for you or if you will have to pay cash and submit the claims yourself. Great treatment centers will make care accessible and affordable in an insurance-friendly environment. This means that they should accept most insurances and will work with different companies to find the right payment options for your budget.
Summary: How to Find a Good Addiction Therapist
Doing your homework when searching for the right alcohol and substance abuse counselor is key. With so many extensive options, it’s easy to find it overwhelming. However, when you’re armed with the right questions to begin with, you’ll be set up for success to help you choose the best addiction counselor for you. This is your time for a fresh start, so it’s important to choose a drug addiction counselor that will remain by your side throughout your entire recovery journey. It's good to know that a sobriety counselor will ask several questions too, before you start treatment.
Ready to get started on the path to sobriety? Or have questions on addiction? Please call us at Avenues Recovery 1- 866-698-3544.
Learn more about alcohol and drug rehab on Avenues Recovery’s website.
Sources