subject: Setting Up A Schedule With Your Substance Abuse Counselor [print this page] Substance abuse is a serious problem requiring immediate attention. Constant denial of the condition will not help the victim get out of the situation that they are in. If you want to help your friend or family member fight addiction, seek professional help or speak with a substance abuse counselor. Most counselors are former substance abuse users that can be very helpful in assisting you with finding the best treatment facilities. Here are a few steps that may help:
Find the Best Counselor
The first thing to do before choosing a counselor; look for the most appropriate counselor that will help address the needs of your loved one. You can look in the local directory for advertisements or ask other friends or family members for referrals. Without doubt referrals are always better, because you can always trust a friend or former patient. This step may seen unimportant but it is very crucial, because you only want to entrust your loved ones to skilled trained professionals.
Set up a Schedule
Once you have decided on a substance abuse counselor, schedule an appointment with them. Many counselors will offer you a free telephone consultation on how to address the issue and how to convey to the patient that help is needed. By getting advice from trained staff, you can better communicate how the treatment will help.
Talk to the Victim
When you gather all of the necessary information and the right approach to persuade your family member to seek help from a substance abuse counselor, this will allow you to talk to them honestly about where they are mentally and where they will like to be in what time frame. Although, it is natural for you to encounter resistance at first, you can resolve that dilemma with the training and education that you received from the abuse counselor.
A Substance abuse counselor is your partner in helping free your loved ones from their substance dependency. With cooperation from a skilled practitioner, it is never too late for your loved one/s to live a happy and mentally healthy life.
