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Drug Addiction Counselling

At CATCH Recovery, our drug addiction counselling service offers flexible treatment to help you identify the root causes of your substance misuse, develop coping strategies for your cravings, recognise and avoid environmental triggers, and to help you form healthier lifestyle habits.

Contact us today to learn more about our drug addiction counselling services and find the right support for your situation. You don’t have to go through this alone—our experienced therapists are here to help.

The article provides the following:

• An overview of what drug counselling is and its benefits
• Signs of drug addiction and when to get help
• How drugs affect the brain
• When counselling should begin in relation to the detox process
• Strategies you can use when approaching the subject of counselling with a loved one
• Types of support available
• FAQs.

What is drug counselling?

Drug counselling is a form of therapy that can help individuals struggling with drug addiction identify the root causes of their substance misuse, develop plans to help them cope with their cravings, recognise and avoid triggers, and form healthier habits. 

Through addiction counselling services, individuals can gain insight into their addiction and acquire the skills necessary to manage physical and psychological dependence and the environmental factors that contribute to it. Drug counselling can also give family members and loved ones the resources they need to understand the process of addiction and recovery.

Through drug counselling, individuals can learn to develop healthier coping strategies, improve their interpersonal relationships, and become more aware of the triggers that can lead to drug use. It will also help individuals develop self-esteem, build self-confidence, and better understand themselves. In drug counselling, people can learn to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and limits and develop the skills to make better decisions in the future.

What are the benefits of drug counselling in addiction recovery?

Through addiction counselling services, individuals can develop the tools and skills necessary to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. This is best illustrated with a real-life example.

Kiera’s Story

Kiera was a 23-year-old woman who had been struggling with heroin addiction for several years. She had tried quitting several times but without success. After spending a few weeks in a rehabilitation facility, Kiera decided to seek help from a professional addiction counsellor.

At first, Kiera was hesitant to open up about her addiction and struggles. With the help of her counsellor, she eventually began to feel comfortable discussing her addiction and the issues she was facing. With her counsellor’s guidance, she was able to identify the underlying causes of her addiction and learn new coping strategies to help her manage her cravings and triggers.

Kiera also learned about the importance of self-care and how to develop healthier relationships with those around her. She was able to reconnect with her family, and her counsellor helped her set realistic goals and develop a plan to move forward in her recovery.

After several months of counselling, Kiera achieved a stable recovery. She was able to stay sober and develop a healthier lifestyle. Kiera was grateful for the support and guidance of her counsellor and was proud of her progress.

Signs of drug addiction and when to get help

Drug addiction can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life. It can lead to physical, mental, and social health issues and financial problems. It is, therefore, important to recognise the signs of drug addiction and seek help as soon as possible.

Common signs of drug addiction include: 

• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Inability to control one’s use of the drug; an increased need for the drug
• Preoccupation with obtaining drugs
• Spending more time with people who use drugs
• Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer taken
• Changes in behaviour – e.g. decreased interest in activities that were once enjoyable, engaging in risky behaviours, a shift in priorities
• Decreased performance at work or school; financial problems
• Strained relationships; being secretive; withdrawal from family and friends

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How do drugs affect the brain?

Drug addiction profoundly affects the human brain, fundamentally altering how neurons communicate.

How do drugs interfere with neurons in the brain?

When drugs are present in the body, they can mimic natural neurotransmitters or interfere with how neurotransmitters are recycled. As a result, abnormal signals travel through the brain’s networks. This disruption in the way neurons communicate can cause changes in crucial brain areas, leading to an uncontrollable compulsion to use drugs and impairing a person’s ability to experience pleasure from natural rewards such as food, social interaction, and even physical touch.

How do drugs create feelings of pleasure?

It is still not fully understood how drugs produce the sensation of pleasure. However, it is likely related to surges of chemical signalling compounds, including the body’s natural opioids (endorphins) and other neurotransmitters, in parts of the basal ganglia (the body’s reward circuit). Certain drugs can cause surges of these neurotransmitters much greater than the smaller bursts naturally produced in association with healthy rewards.

The role of dopamine in addiction

It was once thought that drug-induced dopamine surges caused the euphoria that a person experiences when they take a substance. However, scientists now believe dopamine is more related to reinforcing pleasurable activities than producing pleasure directly. 

When the reward circuit is activated by a healthy, enjoyable experience, a burst of dopamine signals that something important is happening and needs to be remembered. This dopamine signal causes neural connectivity changes, making it easier to repeat the activity without thinking about it, leading to the formation of habits.

Triggers and cravings

Cues in a person’s daily routine or environment that have become linked with drug use can trigger uncontrollable cravings, even if the drug itself is not available. This learned “reflex” can last a long time, even in people who haven’t used drugs in many years.

Why does the brain favour drugs over natural rewards? 

The difference between normal rewards and drug rewards can be likened to the difference between someone whispering into your ear and someone shouting into a microphone. The brain of someone who misuses drugs adjusts by producing fewer neurotransmitters in the reward circuit or by reducing the number of receptors that can receive signals. This reduces the person’s ability to experience pleasure from naturally rewarding activities, leading to a feeling of flatness, lack of motivation, lifelessness and depression. Additionally, the person’s body becomes tolerant to the substance, leading them to take larger amounts of the drug to produce the familiar high.

How soon after detox does addiction counselling begin?

Addiction counselling typically begins after the individual has completed detoxification, as the body and mind need time to adjust to the absence of the substance. During detox, individuals may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. With the correct medical support, these symptoms can be managed and minimised. 

In some cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to ensure a person’s safety, such as when experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. During hospitalisation, individuals may be given medications to help manage their symptoms, such as anti-nausea, sedatives, hydration and vitamins to counteract the withdrawal effects of alcohol.

A person may also be prescribed medication to reduce their cravings and attend psychosocial therapies to help them develop healthier coping strategies before commencing counselling. 

Beginning counselling too soon after detox can be counterproductive, as individuals may be too physically and mentally exhausted to engage in the counselling process. It is recommended to wait at least two weeks before beginning counselling to give the individual time to rest, recover, and adjust to the changes they are experiencing. 

How can I get my loved one to agree to drug counselling?

Getting a loved one to agree to drug counselling can be a challenging task. It is important to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and openness to listen to your loved one’s feelings and concerns. Let them know that you are there to support them and that addiction counselling services can provide them with the tools and resources they need to manage their addiction and move towards a healthier and more meaningful life.

Here are some things you might say to put your loved one at ease and give them the confidence to explore treatment options with your support. 

• “It’s okay to be scared of counselling.”
• “I understand that this can be a difficult process to start. But I’m here for you, and I truly believe that taking this step can be an effective way to tackle your addiction and create a life that is more meaningful and satisfying.”
• “I will be with you every step of the way and here to listen and provide support.”
• “It can be an intimidating experience to start addiction counselling, but I believe that by doing this, we can help you take control of your addiction and build a better life.”

It is also important to be patient and understanding, as addiction recovery is a process. Be sure to explain to your loved one that addiction counselling is not a one-time fix but a process of healing and recovery that will require time and dedication.

Remind them that there are resources available to help them and that you are there to support them every step of the way.

Types of talking therapies

When it comes to treating drug addiction, there are a number of different talking therapies that can be used. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most popular talking therapy. It helps individuals identify the thought patterns and behaviours contributing to their addiction and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT is practical and focused on goals. The therapist and the patient work together to help the patient get better in many ways. 

Because treatment is different for each person, cognitive behavioural therapy could look different for each person. CBT has been shown to help treat anxiety, depression, and even ADHD. It is also a type of short-term therapy, with sessions happening once a week for an average of two to three months.

Motivational interviewing (MI)

MI is a type of counselling that helps people sort out their mixed feelings and insecurities so they can find the internal motivation they need to change their behaviour. It is a short-term, realistic, and caring process that takes into account how hard it is to change your life.

The motivational interviewing process involves two steps. The first goal is to get the person more interested in changing, and the second is to get the person to commit to changing. Instead of just saying that they need or want to change, hearing themselves make a promise out loud has been shown to help clients make those changes. The therapist’s job is more about listening than taking action. Motivational interviewing is often used with or after other interventions, like cognitive therapy, support groups, and training in how to deal with stress.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness to help individuals learn to manage their emotions more healthily. DBT focuses on accepting emotions and behaviours while teaching individuals how to make positive life changes. Its core goal is to help patients build confidence and the skills to navigate stressful situations effectively.

DBT helps people recognise the thought patterns that may contribute to their addiction and develop healthier coping strategies. It also provides guidance on how to handle difficult situations, relationships, and stress. 

Research has found that DBT can be an effective treatment for people struggling with drug addiction and those looking to make changes in their lives.

12-Step and other support groups

Various support groups are available, such as 12-Step groups, which provide valuable support and guidance during the recovery process, often alongside talking therapies.

The 12-Step Approach focuses on accepting the nature of addiction and taking responsibility for one’s actions. By following these steps, individuals can learn to recognise and accept their addiction, take responsibility for their actions, and gain the tools and resources they need to manage their addiction and move towards a healthier and more meaningful life.

Types of drug counselling

Both free and private (paid-for) counselling services exist. Whether you choose free or private support will depend on your personal circumstances. 

Drug use, mental health, and general well-being issues can all be addressed with either type of counselling. Additionally, a person can seek counselling whether they are actively in addiction or in recovery.  

Free drug counselling

Free addiction counselling is available via the NHS and other not-for-profit organisations. The service is usually funded through local or national government funding schemes, charitable fundraising or privately funded grants. The counselling provided is generally short-term, for a set number of sessions. As the financial resources for free counselling services are finite, waiting lists are often long, and strict access criteria can exist. 

Free drug counselling options can provide valuable support for those who may not have the financial means to access private counselling.

Private drug counselling

Private addiction counselling services are available through local or online drug treatment services and individual counsellors who offer 1:1 support at a private practice. Because this type of service is funded by the person using it, the waiting times are considerably shorter than for free counselling. The support offered is also more in-depth, longer-term and tailored to the individual’s specific needs. 

No matter the type of counselling, it is important to find a counsellor that is suitably qualified and experienced in dealing with drug addiction. Just as important is making sure that you feel comfortable talking to the counsellor and able to trust them. 

How can CATCH Recovery help?

Our team of experienced counsellors provide a range of drug addiction services, including individual and group counselling, support groups, and more. Our counsellors are highly qualified and experienced in helping individuals and families struggling with addiction find the support they need to recover. We understand that each individual has unique needs and experiences and strive to provide a range of services that meet those needs. 

FAQs

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References

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