Do you or your loved ones know what to expect from substance abuse counseling?
Choosing to enter counseling for an addiction or substance use disorder can be a daunting task for many reasons, including the fear of the unknown. Your commitment to recovery can be the turning point of your life. While the road may be tough, know that comprehensive, supportive care awaits you in substance abuse counseling.
The team at Mariposa Center, a non-profit organization in Orange County that has been providing recovery and wellness services for more than 40 years, has gathered three universal elements that everyone should expect from a substance abuse counseling program.
1) Support
When you participate in substance abuse counseling, either through one-on-one sessions or group therapy, one of the first facts you’ll find out is that there are numerous options and resources available to help you on your path to recovery.
For example, many organizations have started offering virtual counseling sessions in addition to in-person meetings to make wellness services easier to access for individuals with transportation or mobility challenges.
Further, working with a local counseling center like Mariposa also gives patients the opportunity to plug into a larger support network, which can include referrals to specialized facilities that can assist with specific elements of recovery.
2) Honesty
The first step in Alcoholics Anonymous’s vaunted 12-step recovery program is to admit that you have a problem that is out of your control.
This obviously isn’t new information for someone in a substance abuse program, but the admission serves a deeper purpose – it sets a baseline for honesty and open communication that makes recovery possible.
If you or a loved one are considering a substance abuse counseling program, it’s important to expect – and commit to – an honest dialogue about the conditions that brought you there. These discussions may lead to a deeper look at the root causes of your substance disorder, which may include other mental health conditions or emotional trauma that has been left untreated.
3) Connection
One of the many challenges related to substance use disorders is the negative emotions that addiction can generate. Feelings of guilt, shame, depression and isolation can create a negative feedback loop and make it harder to commit to recovery.
But as anyone who has been through substance abuse counseling will tell you, no one has to face recovery alone. Creating connections with individuals who have successfully navigated similar circumstances and learning from their experiences can be an essential step toward lasting recovery.
Substance Abuse Counseling at Mariposa Center
In conclusion, fear of the unknown shouldn’t keep you from seeking recovery for substance abuse. You’ll find the three “knowns” above, as well as other resources and forms of support, at Mariposa Center and any other wellness facility dedicated to restoring your quality of life.
“Depictions of counseling or therapy in movies and on television always make it seem either dull or over-dramatic. But in reality, counseling is just a place where people who need help can get it from professionals who understand what they’re facing.”
Dr. Krista Driver, LMFT; President & CEO, Mariposa Center
We understand that the first step on the path to recovery is often the most difficult. If you or a loved one are considering substance abuse counseling, we encourage you to take that first step and reach out to our team today.
Contact Mariposa Center now to learn more about substance abuse counseling.
