How Counselors Help Young Adults with Substance Abuse Disorders
Posted on: 23 March 2022
Mental health counselors treat many teenagers and young adults who deal with substance abuse or dependence. Often, substance use is related to different types of mental health disorders, but there is a lot to understand about adolescents who use substances.
In many cases, teens and young adults experience developmental issues. Behavioral health counselors are often able to provide help with these concerns. Here's what you should know about teens and substance abuse treatment with a counselor.
Counselors Provide Help With Developmental Stages
Young people who have substance abuse disorder are often undergoing a variety of difficulties with some aspect of development. Counselors help each person analyze their own behaviors to ensure that they are making healthy decisions and are using good judgment. Counselors also call on each client to assess their awareness and self-control.
A young adult or teen who attends a counseling session with a professional may gain some guidance regarding how to foster growth in these areas. For example, a counselor may challenge the client to build self-awareness and self-control with a variety of techniques.
Counselors Offer Help With Co-Existing Issues
For many young people, substance abuse disorder is not the end of life's problems. In fact, substance abuse issues are often related to other mental health and behavioral conditions. These might include conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or something else. Family and social issues can also be linked to substance abuse disorders.
Counselors Offer Guidance for Other Solutions
Often, young adults receive several types of treatment for substance abuse disorders. For instance, a counselor can help you determine where you should go to receive any necessary medication support. You can also get guidance regarding additional types of therapy, including support groups, 12-step group meetings, family therapy, and psychiatrists. You will also get guidance for medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine.
Counselors Get Families Involved
In many cases, it is important to get families involved so that everybody can work together for better solutions. A counselor may invite parents and siblings to participate in meetings or individual counseling sessions. This can help everybody understand the problem and get on board with the solution.
Meet With a Counselor for More Information
If you or somebody young in your life is experiencing substance abuse disorder, you can get help from a counselor. Counselors provide mental health and behavioral health assistance, pointing you in the right direction for additional treatment if they are not able to help you directly.
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