How Can Addiction Counselling Help You?


Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a very unfortunate condition that affects more individuals than many people realise; addiction counselling is available for all who need it. The causes of addiction most often stem from a person’s past. Many cases of addiction are also environmental in nature. People might also be prone to addiction because they are genetically predisposed. No matter where a person’s addiction might have stemmed from, anyone struggling with an addiction can benefit from some type of addiction counselling. Not only can receiving counselling help a person better understand their addiction, it can help them realise the reasons behind their current addicted state. Knowing the “why” behind their addiction, can exponentially increase a person’s likelihood of recovering from it.

There are many benefits a person will receive from going to counselling. Not only will they get to talk to a person in an unbiased, non-judgmental environment conducive to their healing, but they will be able to freely express their repressed and pent-up emotions. Addiction counselling gives a person what they need to talk about their feelings and learn new ways of dealing with the thoughts and behaviours that lead them to use drugs or alcohol. Agreeing to go to addiction counselling can be the best decision a person can make who is serious about overcoming their addiction for good. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, counselling can help you find a way out of these struggles for good.

Do You Need Addiction Counselling?

Anyone who has a problem with drugs or alcohol can benefit from addiction counselling. The counselling and therapy a person receives when getting help for an addiction is an integral aspect of the recovery process. Where detox is beneficial in helping a person overcome the physical and emotional withdrawals that happen when quitting drugs or alcohol, counselling helps address the deeper psychological aspects of a person’s addiction.

Counselling not only addresses the reasons behind a person’s addiction, but allows them to work through whatever these reasons are. Most addiction stems from repressed trauma or pain. And although it can be difficult to face, uncovering and working through this pain can help a person heal at the fundamental levels necessary to end their addiction for good.

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol, speaking with an addiction counsellor can be lifechanging. You deserve to be free from your addiction. Speaking with a therapist or counsellor who is trained in addiction recovery can offer you this freedom and help you take the steps to live a happy and fulfilling life.

What Are the Benefits of Addiction Counselling?

There are several reasons why addiction counselling is a benefit to those looking to overcome a dependency to drugs or alcohol. Not only does talking to a professional help a person better understand their addiction, but can give them a new perspective of looking at their addiction as well. This new way of seeing their patterns of substance abuse can be extremely helpful in the process of overcoming it.

Addiction counselling also gives a person the chance to talk about their feelings. Being an addict comes with a lot of judgment from others. Talking to someone who doesn’t pass judgment and understands the way they feel can be a welcomed relief. It can also help them better understand the wave of emotions they feel on a regular basis.

Aside from individual therapy, group addiction counselling can also be a tremendous benefit. It gives a person the opportunity to talk with others who share a similar experience. Connecting with others who are going through the same thing can give a person the strength they need to follow through with their commitment to sobriety.

Another benefit of connecting with others through group counselling is the way in which it helps an addict establish trust in relationships. Deep friendships are often formed when a person takes part in regular group therapy. Because many relationships in the addict’s life were likely damaged, these relationships can be the stepping stones that help a person repair their relationship with others.

Drug addiction counselling is also always available. No matter if a person is looking to overcome an addiction for the first time or they are looking for continued therapy after treatment is over, addiction counselling is there whenever a person feels they need to talk. 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are also always available to anyone looking for free, easily accessible group addiction counselling.

How Long Does Drug Addiction Counselling Last?

There is no prescribed length of time for a person to attend drug addiction counselling. How long a person spends in therapy is completely contingent upon their own personal growth, healing, and recovery. Depending on the nature of a person’s addiction, counselling can last from one week to several months.

When part of a typical 30-day inpatient drug treatment programme, therapy will usually take place daily for a week or so, and then a few days a week depending on a patient’s needs. People attending addiction counselling outside of a treatment programme will usually receive counselling once a week for as long as it takes for them to overcome their addiction.

image showing a man relaxing while getting Addiction Counselling
Why choose eata.org.uk?

If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.

What Are the Different Types of Addiction Counselling?

There are many different types and categories of addiction counselling. Depending on the nature of a person’s addiction, there will be different therapy options presented when they choose to get help. For all basic purposes, there are two “types” of counselling a person can receive to help overcome their addiction. This includes private or individual counselling and group counselling. Each are beneficial either used alone or in conjunction to help a person overcome their addiction.

Private/Individual Counselling

Talking to someone about your problems with drugs or alcohol in a private, confidential setting can be one of the most beneficial aspects in helping you overcome your addiction. When you see a counsellor or therapist in a one on one situation, it can help you uncover the underlying issues that are the cause of your addiction. There are private services for addiction counselling throughout the UK, and individual counselling is also in both inpatient and outpatient rehab settings.

When receiving counselling in any type of setting, it is important to be honest with your counsellor or therapist about the nature of your addiction. It’s not uncommon for addicts to lie about their drug or alcohol use because of the negative stigma that is attached to addiction. Lying about your addiction however, will only hinder the recovery process. Being upfront and honest with your therapist is the best way to overcome your addiction for good.

image showing young people enjoying their sober life after getting Addiction Counselling

As previously stated, the length of time a person receives individual counselling is dependent upon the individual themselves. A person willing and open to receiving treatment will most likely be finished with counselling before the individual who fights the idea of getting the help they need. Private addiction counselling can last anywhere from one session up to several months. Everyone is different and has different needs when it comes to addiction recovery. The time a person is in therapy will depend upon their own personal needs.

Group Counselling

Group counselling is done in a setting with several addicts sharing the experiences of their addiction. Sessions are conducted by a group leader and contain numerous benefits that help a person overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some of the benefits include:

  • Offers a connection to others who share a similar experience
  • Allows addicts the opportunity to see that they are not alone in their struggle
  • Helps build positive relationships
  • Offers education about addiction and coping skills for real-world situations
  • Gives advice and offers tools on different ways to avoid relapse
  • Gives addicts a sense of structure in attending these regular meetings
  • Helps a person rebuild social skills and strengthens human interaction skills

Group counselling sessions will take place in several different settings including: private clinics, inpatient addiction programmes, outpatient treatment programmes, hospital centres, and more. We can help you find the best type of addiction counselling setting that fits your personal preferences and needs.

What Are the Stages of Group Counselling?

No matter where a person receives professional group addiction counselling, it will move forward in a general fashion. The stages of group therapy include:

  1. In the first phase of group counselling, the individual will meet with the group leader and other patients for the first time. They will learn the process of the programme, discuss any rules, and introduce themselves to others.
  2. The second phase of group counselling is when real change begins to happen. This is where different therapeutic approaches will be used by the group leader to help group members learn different approaches to thinking and behaviour associated with their addiction. Members will get to know each other through their personal stories and struggles with addiction. There is truly an opportunity for deep healing to take place during the second phase of group counselling. This will be the longest stage of a group treatment experience.
  3. The last phase of group counselling is an adjustment period for group members to reflect on what they’ve learned and prepare to take these skills out into the real world. The bonds formed in group addiction counselling are often strong and this can be an extremely emotional time for group members. It is important to focus on the positive aspects people have gained, rather than be upset that it is almost over. The friendships made often last a lifetime, and the coping and behaviour skills a person is left with can make them see something similar with their sobriety.

Does Addiction Counselling Work?

Both individual and private addiction counselling can be of extreme benefit to people who are open to receiving help. A person’s willingness to talk to a professional counsellor or therapist about their problems can open the door to a world of understanding concerning their addiction. For people who want to get help, addiction counselling will certainly work. And it will work well.

On the other hand, someone who doesn’t want to talk (or believes they don’t need to talk) about their addiction problems with won’t benefit from counselling like they could. Addiction isn’t a magic cure-all for addiction. It can help tremendously, but if a person isn’t ready to receive the help they need, they are going to continue to use no matter how many counselling sessions they go to.

We Can Help You Find Addiction Counselling in the UK

We understand how difficult dealing with an addiction is. It can be a terrifying struggle that can feel impossible to endure. We believe that no one should have to suffer through their addiction alone. There are people who can help you overcome your addiction, no matter how serious your problems have become. There is a way out, and talking to a professional can help you find this way. We are connected with numerous services throughout London and Essex that offer private and group counselling opportunities.

Why choose eata.org.uk?

If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.

How Much Does Addiction Counselling Cost?

The cost of addiction counselling will vary. Many believe that counselling is too expensive and will forgo considering their options because of this. This is very unfortunate because the truth is, there are addiction counselling options that fit a wide-range of financial situations. Some insurance carriers may even pay for counselling as part of a person’s plan. There are also some free addiction counselling services available through the NHS.

Please call us to discuss different payment options, as well as your different options regarding addiction counselling. We are here to make sure you get exactly the help you need to end your addiction for good. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have. All calls are confidential, and you will never feel as if you are being judged when calling us for help. We’re here to help because we’ve got first-hand experience in addiction, and truly know how hard it can be to overcome. It is possible, and we’re here to offer you all the options to make it so.

 
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