How drugs and alcohol affects immune system

September 19, 2015

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system: The dangers of having a weak immune system

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system is very diverse and and complicated but all the same we must do all it takes to eliminate all kinds of addiction to drugs.

Have you ever asked yourself of how drugs and alcohol affects immune system in people’s lives? Do you have any idea how this can be dangerous for your own life? These are some of the concerns we want to address in this discussion and because it involves the soldiers who protects you from attacks of diseases, be my guest as we unlock the potential truth about the benefits of keeping a strong immune system. Now to set the ball rolling, let us find out the professional definition of immune system. Doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center gives the definition of the immune system as a network of cells, tissues and organs working in solidarity to defend the body against disease, infection and viruses. It therefore means that the immune system is one of the strong pillars that work in defense of our health and the general wellbeing of our lives. Meaning that if this system is damaged or reduced or incapacitated and does not work as efficiently as it should, a person will become vulnerable to attacks by various sicknesses or illness from infections or viruses. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center while carrying out research has established that drugs and alcohol are some of the well-known inhibitors of the immune system. And the consequences of that can only mean that those who abuse substances of whatever kind will lose their foot soldiers that defend then to the various attacks and therefore when they are attacked and fall sick, they are likely to take longer period of time to heal from their infections in relation to other people with stronger immune system.

Doctor Akoury reiterates that the implications can be very disturbing when the immune system is deficient in anyone’s life. Under this circumstances if a person abuses drugs or alcohol, such persons shall be subjecting their health to increased risk of contracting certain diseases including pneumonia, respiratory infections, blood-borne viruses such as HIV or Hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases. Besides that, if they have a predisposition to cancer, heart disease or kidney disease, these conditions are more likely to occur. The list of substances that are likely to be abused by people is endless and the following are just but a few for the purpose of this discussion:

Alcohol
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
MDMA and Club drugs
HIV/AIDA and Hepatitis

And as we have already mentioned the list is endless and for the purpose of this discussion we are going to focus on alcohol and marijuana and the remaining three we will handle in our next article, but before we get to that let us first familiarize ourselves with the effects of binging on drugs and other substances.

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system: Effect of binging on drugs

Exhaustion as a result of binging on drugs or alcohol can be a significant cause of illness. When a person binge drinks, they may cause their body to go into toxic shock from the large amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. Secondary infections or damage to the liver can have life-long consequences. Doctor Akoury says that binging on drugs like for instance methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin can cause people to become dehydrated and seriously ill. The impact of dehydration, mental and physical exhaustion, sleeplessness and lack of food can have a long term impact on a persons’ health more so if the individual is of weak immunity. And with such implications the immune system will be at a high risk of being overrun with infection and disease and anecdotal evidence suggests that many people will have flu-like symptoms after a binge.

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system: Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most abused substances and it is well known to cause long-term and serious consequences for a person’s body and mind. There are many diseases that are known to be caused by alcohol consumption which are chronic and dangerous. Alcohol also impedes the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Excessive alcohol consumption or long term alcohol abuse can lead to immune deficiency in two ways:

Nutritional deficiency and
Reducing white blood cells

Alcohol impairs the normal digestion of nutrients due to damage caused to the cells in the digestive tract and by interfering with the secretion of enzymes needed for digestion. Alcohol can also impede the ability of the liver to store important vitamins. It has also been shown that drinking too much can prevent the body from absorbing enough protein. Therefore when consumed in excess, alcohol can reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs. High doses of alcohol suppress the ability of the white blood cells to multiply and inhibit the action of killer white cells on cancer cells. This can lead to the development of life threatening conditions such as liver cancer or liver disease.

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system: Marijuana

Smoking marijuana, or any substance, can have a negative effect on the immune system. Various studies have established that smoking marijuana causes damage to very sensitive cells in the lungs and increases the risk of contracting diseases and bacterial infections. Marijuana is known to contain more carcinogenic chemicals than tobacco smoke and because of the way the drug is inhaled deeply and held for longer than cigarette smoke these chemicals can cause severe respiratory damage. Some research has suggested that the active chemical in marijuana, THC, impairs the immune system from fighting disease. However, this research is not conclusive and further testing is required. The inhaled smoke from marijuana is often combined with tobacco which is known to cause significant damage to lungs, including the leading cause of lung cancer and emphysema. Pulmonary infections, pneumonia, respiratory infections and cancer are all real risks associated with smoking marijuana. Chronic bronchitis, impairment of air passages, inflammation of lungs and development of abnormalities in the bronchial lining and lungs are also commonly associated issues.

Finally knowing how drugs and alcohol affects immune system is not just important but should be a must for all concern people. This will not only help as an individual to take precaution in your own situations, but also to be of help to other people who may be struggling with addiction. Therefore if you or any one you know is struggling with addiction you can help them by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for a more professional touch that will resuscitate their immunity to normalcy.

How drugs and alcohol affects immune system: The dangers of having a weak immune system

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge

September 16, 2015

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: The endless list of substance abuse elements

Defeating drug addiction begins with understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge and taking the correct action

The reason why many people are suffering from various health complications is because of luck of luck of knowledge. This can be very painful more so if something could be done and an individual suffers ignorantly. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are taking the lead role in posting very informative blogs to the general public so that together we can find solutions to this problem. In that regard we want to focus this discussion into understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge and some of the substances that we need to disassociate with by all means. The list of substances is endless and they include the following:

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most abused drugs and it is also known as crack, coke, snow, rock. Taking the US as an example it will be noted that cocaine use has gone down in the last few years; from 2007 to 2012 with the number of current users in the U.S. ages 12 or older dropped from 2.1 million to 1.7 million. Derived from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be administered into the body by smoking, injection, snorting or just by swallowing. The intensity and duration of the drug’s effects depend on how you take it. Desired effects include pleasure and increased alertness. Short-term effects also include paranoia, constriction of blood vessels leading to heart damage or stroke, irregular heartbeat, and death. Severe depression and reduced energy often accompany withdrawal. Both short- and long-term use of cocaine has been associated with damage to the heart, the brain, the lung, and the kidneys and this are the complications we want this blog to help you address by scheduling for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of a veteran addiction expert doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Heroin also known as smack, horse

There is no doubt that heroin use has been on the rise from time to time and according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2012 about 669,000 Americans reported using heroin in the past year, a number that has been on the rise since 2007. The biggest increases are among users ages 18 to 25. Effects of heroin intoxication include drowsiness, pleasure, and slowed breathing. Withdrawal can be intense and can include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion, aches, and sweating. Besides that any overdose of this substance may result in death from respiratory arrest (stopping breathing). And because heroin is usually injected, often with dirty needles, use of the drug can trigger other health complications including destruction of your heart valves, HIV/AIDS, infections, tetanus, and botulism.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Methamphetamines

This substance is also known as meth, crank, ice, speed, crystal and its use has also increased significantly especially in the West. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant with the potential abilities of increasing alertness, decreases appetite, and gives a sensation of pleasure. The drug can either be administered into the body by injection, snorting, smoking or taken in as a mixture with food. It shares many of the same toxic effects as cocaine including effects like heart attacks, dangerously high blood pressure and stroke. It is also associated with several withdrawal symptoms including depression, abdominal cramps and increased appetite. Besides that it is important to appreciate that, methamphetamines other long-term effects may also include paranoia, hallucinations, weight loss, destruction of teeth, and heart damage. These are not the only substances that bring complications to your health.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: Club drugs

The club scene and rave parties have popularized an assortment of other drugs. Many young people believe these drugs are harmless or even healthy. And as we had mentioned before that the list is endless, the following are some of the club drugs that we need to be careful about even as we desire proper understanding of the scourge of addiction in our societies.

Ecstasy also called MDMA, Adam, STP – This is a stimulant and hallucinogen used to improve mood and to maintain energy, often for all-night dance parties. Long-term use may cause damage to the brain’s ability to regulate body temperature, sleep, pain, memory, and emotions.

GHB also called Liquid XTC, G and blue nitro – Once sold at health food stores, GHB’s effects are related to dose. Effects range from mild relaxation to coma or death. GHB is often used as a date-rape drug because it is tasteless, colorless, and acts as a powerful sedative.

Rohypnol also called roofies, roche – This is another sedative that can be used as a date-rape drug. Effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, abdominal cramps, confusion, and impaired memory.

Ketamine also called Special K, K – This is an anesthetic that can be taken orally or injected. Ketamine (Ketalar) can impair memory and attention. Higher doses can cause amnesia, paranoia and hallucinations, depression, and difficulty breathing.

LSD (also called acid, microdot) and mushrooms (also called shrooms, magic mushrooms, peyote, buttons) – Popular in the 1960s, LSD has been revived in the club scene. LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, numbness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Long-term effects include unwanted “flashbacks” and psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and mood disturbances).

PCP also known as angel dust, hog, love boat – PCP is a powerful anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. Its effects are similar to those of ketamine but often stronger. The anesthetic effects are so strong that you can break your arm but not feel any pain. Usually, tobacco or marijuana cigarettes are dipped into PCP and then smoked.

Finally the list above is represent may not be conclusive but it represent the magnitude of the problem that we are likely to go through if we don’t act expeditiously as required to defeat drug addiction and all other complications that are associated with it. Therefore individually and collectively you need to consult with your physician before taking any action so that any further complication can be addressed in the most professional way for a better, healthier and more comfortable life of full productivity thereafter.

Understanding the genesis of drug addiction scourge: The endless list of substance abuse elements

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care

September 13, 2015

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Where does treatment occur?

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care includes among others group counseling which is very good for you and your family too.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care normally occur in a variety of settings. These categories can be diversified and every individual patient has a choice to settle on any depending on the intensity of their addiction levels. Many people with addictions start their initial treatment at one level like for instance at the crisis services for detoxification and then move through the system until they can function as a productive and independent member of society. These treatment stages are not cast on stone and therefore can be changed according to convenience. Nonetheless when one is through with treatment and has attained the maximum benefits from the treatment experience, he or she can then be discharged says doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is a veteran addiction expert of many decades having been of great help to many people across the globe. Doctor Akoury says that it is important to appreciate that each category of care provides a different intensity of treatment provision and so expert’s opinion will be very vital in settling to any of the categories of treatment.

In the recent consolidation of alcohol treatment services and substance abuse treatment services into chemical dependence treatment services has resulted in four broad categories of care. We therefore want to focus our discussion on the four categories of treatment taking into consideration that currently even private licensed practitioners also provide alcohol and substance abuse treatment even though they are not reflected in the four categories. Now let us take a look at the summery of the four categories as follows:

Crisis Services (detoxification and withdrawal)
Inpatient rehabilitation
Residential Services
Outpatient Services

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Crisis services (Detoxification and Withdrawal)

According to the professional explanations given by the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, chemical dependence crisis services manage the treatment of alcohol or substance withdrawal, as well as acute disorders associated with alcohol or substance use. These services are often provided early in a person’s course of recovery and are relatively short in duration, and to be more specific, the process takes approximately three to five days, although some chemicals may require up to 30 days of managed withdrawal. It is also important to note that when administering crisis services it is most likely to lead to a referral for a continued care in a longer-term treatment setting. Crisis services may include medically managed detoxification in a hospital, medically supervised withdrawal in either an inpatient/residential or outpatient setting and medically monitored withdrawal in community-based settings. Doctor Akoury further says that while services will vary with the patient and the setting, in many instances such services may include:

Medical management of acute intoxication and withdrawal
Assessment
Stabilization of medical and psychiatric problems
Counseling
Pharmacological services
Determination of appropriate long-term care and
Referrals for other services.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Inpatient Rehabilitation

Chemical dependence inpatient rehabilitation services provide intensive management of chemical dependence symptoms and medical management and monitoring of physical or mental complications from chemical dependence to individuals who cannot be effectively served as outpatients and who are not in need of medical detoxification or acute care. These services can be provided in a hospital or freestanding facility. Lengths of stay are usually in the 20-40 day range.

Providers conduct intensive evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation services in a medically supervised 24 hour/day, 7 days/week setting. Chemical dependence inpatient services include the following basic clinical procedures:

Individual and group counseling and activities therapy
Alcohol and substance abuse disease awareness and relapse prevention
Assessment and referral services for patients, families and significant others
HIV education, risk assessment and supportive counseling and referral
Vocational or educational assessment and
Medical and psychiatric evaluation

In addition, patients are given education about, orientation to, and opportunity for participation in, available and relevant self-help groups. These are very fundamental points that you and I must not take for granted by all means. We have since discussed the first tow treatment categories and we are certainly going to proceed with the remaining two in our next article. Therefore I want to encourage you to remain with us on the link and be the first to know of the broad categories of addiction treatment and care so that together we can all find lasting solutions to this scourge.

Finally even as we talk about the broad categories of addiction treatment and care, it is equally important to appreciate that this is not just any other treatment procedure. Many people often fail to realize their treatment objective because of various reasons including denial and ignorance. Doctor Dalal Akoury registers that in dealing with drug addiction, the biggest enemies of successful addiction treatment denial and ignorance are the biggest obstacle which must first be addressed. Many users often refuse to acknowledge that they have a problem which really needs to be fixed for them to live a normal and productive life. Therefore if you or anyone you know falls in this category of people who are struggling with any kind of addiction and are in denial, we want to help you get out of that cocoon so that you can be helped go through the recovery journey effectively. You may want to reach out for doctor Dalal Akoury for professional help. And remember that because of her passion in helping the addicts regain their lives back, doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Besides Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms and you can reach out for her help on telephone number 843 213 1480 by scheduling for an appointment for the commencement of your recovery journey today.

The broad categories of addiction treatment and care: Where does treatment occur?

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence

September 11, 2015

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence as a significant way of protecting your heath from all the chronic complications that come as a result of these substance and chemical abuse.

Understanding chemical abuse and dependence is very key in unlocking the stalemate that comes with all kinds of addiction complications. It is true that so many people these days are not using alcohol or other drugs instead they are trying the use of chemicals in order to achieve their desired goals. In the process some will rarely experience any negative consequences while others will. However, many people and this is very common, drink or use drugs problematically and disorderly thereby landing themselves in serious health and social problems. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, those who use chemicals and experience negative consequences are scientifically known as “chemical abusers.” Some of these people are able to stop abusing by modifying their own behavior and using community supports, allowing them to eliminate the negative consequences. However for those who are unable to effectively modify their behavior and whose use continues to be problematic, formal treatment interventions are recommended says doctor Akoury.

Chemical dependence is a complex disease. It is often characterized by compulsive which may be very difficult to manage. Take for instance the problem of uncontrollable – craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. This disorder is a chronic condition with a high probability of relapse; it affects both the physical and mental health of the dependent individual. It also negatively affects interpersonal relationships with family members, relatives and friends of the addicted person. As such, the disease results in both physical and behavioral manifestations.

The addiction and resultant compulsion for alcohol or drugs can take over the individual’s life, leading to a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors that interfere with the family, workplace and broader community interactions. The problem is further magnified with the fact that most chemical dependent live in denial and fail to admit that they have a problem. They may show poor judgment, lack impulse control, and show marked mood swings. Persons with addiction can become preoccupied with alcohol or drugs and can be extremely careful in protecting their supply. Glamorizing the use of chemicals along with joyous memories of being “high” is also frequently associated with addiction.

The expert at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very categorical that people get into addiction for various specific reasons that are very unique to those individuals. Besides that it is also important to note that addiction is a chronic and progressive medical condition with genetic, physical and behavioral components. It is closely associated to other chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, all of which can be treated effectively says doctor Dalal Akoury.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: Treatment of addictive disorders

Because chemical dependence is a complex disorder, effective treatment requires interventions that address the physical health, mental health, and interpersonal relationships of the affected individual. Therefore, the treatment process must be comprehensive and address the multiple and complex needs of addicted individuals and their families. Essential elements of comprehensive treatment for addictive disorders consist of many components, some of which should be employed for every person and some only for certain individuals. To the extent possible, the individual’s family should be engaged in part of the treatment process. The components we are making refence about are all available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and they include the following:

Detoxification and medical management of withdrawal symptoms;
A comprehensive evaluation of the nature of use, and strengths and needs of the individual which results in a diagnosis;
An individualized treatment plan which is developed with the patient and is modified as the individual progresses;
Pharmacological therapy, when appropriate;
Monitoring of continued abstinence from alcohol and other substances;
Vocational and educational assistance;
Cognitive and behavioral therapy;
Clinical case management;
Continuing care;
Self-help or peer support as a complement to professional treatment.

Doctor Akoury reiterates that for effective result to be realized, the evaluation, diagnosis and resulting treatment plan must be developed by qualified and experienced professionals in the addiction field and must address the multiple aspects of the disease. Although addiction treatment provider need not provide all services directly, quality care then demands that services be planned for and provided through referral linkages with other appropriately qualified providers.

The treatment delivery process assures that all necessary and available services are delivered to address individuals’ needs relating to addiction. Other issues that may be addressed in a comprehensive treatment process, in addition to addiction management, include physical health, mental health, strengthening the family, legal, and financial, child care, housing, parenting, transportation, education, prevocational and work readiness. A quality process must include the availability of longer-term supports to sustain recovery and prevent relapse. Quality treatment also addresses public health concerns commonly associated with alcohol and substance abuse, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Further, many providers now integrate treatment for nicotine dependence into chemical dependence programs.

The process of treatment begins with educating the individual and his or her family about the disease of addiction and assuring that each individual recognizes the signs and symptoms of the disease in his or her own life. Motivational enhancement may be the first step since many patients may not accept that their addiction is not normal. Teaching the individual to both recognize the triggers of relapse and use preventive responses to these triggers is critical during the treatment process. The outcome of appropriate, comprehensive treatment should strive toward helping the persons receiving services to accomplish the following:

Understand the relevant issues associated with the disease as it affects their lives and the lives of those around them;
Understand the physical impact of chemicals and the implications of addiction on brain functioning;
Learn and practice the mechanisms, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to sustain the positive effects of treatment;
Develop the capacity or potential to practice normal life activities with responsibility;
Recognize the personal signs, symptoms, circumstances, and triggers of relapse and know how to respond;
Develop and sustain a social support network that will foster and reinforce ongoing recovery.

Finally with all these teachings done the individual patient must always keep in close touch with their physicians during and after the treatment process. Therefore if you are considering this worthy course and you are at cross road not knowing who to turn to for professional help, doctor Dalal Akoury’s office is ever open for you and you can schedule for an appointment with her so that you can have all your concerns professionally addressed.

Understanding Chemical Abuse and Dependence: What is Addiction Treatment?

What to expect at the addiction therapist office

September 10, 2015

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The provision of quality long term addiction recovery?

We are always curious and so we have a lot in mind, however what to expect at the addiction therapist office is to find health tips that will help you regain your life back and be free from addiction

We have in the past stated that in order for us to achieve our dreams of eliminating the scourge of addiction, we must first get the basics right. It now obvious that detoxification is one of the key fundamental in laying foundation in the treatment of drug addiction complications. We are also informed that for any effective detox to be realized, the patient needs to be admitted in an institution where this service is offered professionally and that brings us to the focus of our discussion of “what to expect at the addiction therapist office”. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert of several decades says that for an individual who has substance abuse and addiction issues, the use of those substances and the behaviors tied to that use can cause major disruption and dysfunction in their daily living and lifestyle. The addict does not only experience the physical, mental and psychological impairments due to their substance abuse, but also their relationships with family and friends can also be significantly impacted negatively along with loss of employment and trouble with law enforcement. For this reason doctor Akoury reports that the admittance of such individuals into an addiction treatment facility may be the most ideal option for the commencement of their recovery process. Therefore if the choice is made to enter treatment, it is important to appreciate that the rehab therapist or counselor will have to play an essential role in the quality long-term recovery of an addict on admission, and that brings us to our nest point of focus and we ask “what are the roles of a rehab therapist or counselor?”

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: What are the roles of a rehab therapist or counselor?

Doctor Akoury states that according to the specifications outlined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a rehabilitation therapist (or counselor) is a trained professional who assists people by providing support, education and most importantly provide nonjudgmental confrontation to those addicts yearning for sobriety and long-term recovery. And as for those recovering from substance abuse, the counselor can be their ally in the recovery process and provides to those addicted an understanding of their struggle as well as support. However it is important to note that the counselor acts as a guide through the initial stages of recovery and that the recovery process and the responsibility of recovery fall on the patient. It therefore means that a very huge assignment lies before the individual patient and for effective delivery of treatment the patient must give all their attention and focus to the treatment. In many instances this is normally the biggest challenge since many addicts are always in denial of the magnitude of the problem they are facing.

Therefore if this description suits your situation, we want to be of help to you and encourage you that it is normal to be in denial at the beginning. You can talk to us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is an addiction health facility that was established by doctor Dalal Akoury one of the most respected addiction expert in our time. It will interest you to note that the main objective of doctor Dalal Akoury is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. You can therefore call her on telephone number 843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her for further professional consultations about all your health concerns and you will not regret it one bit.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: What does a counselor strive to do in treatment?

Under normal circumstances counselors will strive to achieve a balance between directive and allowing the patient to be directive. Therefore when counselors take the lead, they will provide the structure of their therapy sessions and provides feedback regarding the course those sessions is taking and the progress of recovery. The counselor may also direct the patient to change behavior that may be problematic and could lead to relapse. Besides that the counselor may also put the onus of direction on the patient such as in role play where the patient explores how best to handle situations where using may be prevalent in social situations. In those situations where the recovering individual takes the lead, the counselor’s responsibility is to note as signs of regressive behavior and provide continual acceptance in regards to things as they are in the present.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The goal of alliance

Ultimately, there should be the goal of a therapeutic alliance between both the counselor and the recovering addict. In this alliance, the key components are both collaboration and partnership. This ultimate goal of partnership starts with the knowledge base of the counselor’s knowledge of addiction and the lifestyle associated with addiction. Even with that knowledge, the counselor realizes or must realize that the recovering addict is the expert on their own life and experiences. When those initial concerns are met, the counselor should then be able to forge the alliance with the newly recovering individual.

The underlying mechanisms of this alliance are based on empathy, active listening and the avoidance of passing judgment. It is important that the counselor’s personal views and experiences don’t cause conflict with the patient’s goals and outcomes. The environment the counselor creates should be one of honesty and candor so it gives the patient an avenue to share their feelings openly and honestly. The focus in treatment is on the patient, so the counselor needs to be careful of too much self-disclosure. Ultimately, the counselor must be creative in their approach as well as flexible since each patient has different backgrounds, experiences and needs.

What to expect at the addiction therapist office: The provision of quality long term addiction recovery?

Tag Archives: Addiction and health