Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of Americans daily. Unfortunately, substance abuse causes stress and difficulty in every area of an individual’s life. That’s why receiving professional help for addiction is of the utmost importance. However, finding a reputable substance abuse counselor can be confusing. Regardless, attending addiction treatment and obtaining help from a professional substance abuse counselor in New Jersey is the best decision for your own life and health that you could make.
Substance abuse counselors play many roles and benefit recovery immensely, as they become your companion and support system throughout the entire recovery process. In addition, they work with patients to develop unique, individualized, and evidence-based treatment plans. Substance abuse counselors work to monitor your progress in recovery while helping you set goals. Oftentimes, the support offered by substance abuse counselors is vital in achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety.
Looking for a Substance Abuse Counselor in New Jersey: Beginning Steps
Before you decide on a specific substance abuse counselor, it is important to be aware of all of your options. The first thing you should consider is whether you are planning to use insurance to pay for counseling. If so, you can begin looking for addiction treatment and therapy providers who accept your insurance in the area. Oftentimes, people with major insurance plans will be provided with an array of options to choose from regarding substance abuse counseling. If your insurance is accepted by many different counseling facilities, you should ask for recommendations from your family and friends who have attended therapy or your doctor.
Additionally, it is important to research specific information about the substance abuse counselor and the facility before making any rash decisions. Typically, all of the information you need will be found online, on the therapist’s or facility’s website. It is vital that you are aware of which treatments are available and what the therapist specializes in, to ensure that they can effectively treat any issues you deal with.
Questions to Ask When Finding a Substance Abuse Counselor
When finding a substance abuse counselor in New Jersey, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important aspect of addiction therapy is feeling comfortable with the counselor and being able to trust them. After all, your therapist is meant to be the person who helps and guides you through the recovery process.
Can I Be Honest With Them?
The patient-to-counselor relationship must be built upon trust, honesty, and open communication. These relationships often become extremely personal, as the patient must open up to the counselor and discuss sensitive topics, such as psychological trauma and addiction. Due to the nature of the patient-to-therapist relationship, individuals who are looking for an addiction counselor should find one they feel completely comfortable with.
Sometimes people find it easier to be comfortable with a counselor who shares the same gender, religious views, or even basic morals. Oftentimes, gender-matching is a common practice among patients who are in therapy for addiction.[1] This is because it typically optimizes a patient’s comfort level, as they feel understood on a basic, biological level. Additionally, individuals who are working with a counselor who shares the same core beliefs experience a more individualized and effective approach to treatment.
Which Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches Do They Use?
Each counselor and addiction recovery facility in New Jersey will utilize different methods of evidence-based treatment approaches and varying forms of therapy. For example, one counselor may use the 12-step method, while another utilizes recreational and holistic therapies. However, the most popular form of addiction therapy is referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), meaning that a majority of addiction therapists use this approach. Also, many counselors offer family therapy programs for recovering individuals who have suffered from familial stressors and broken relationships.
When looking for a substance abuse counselor, if you know the type of therapy you’d like to experience, try to find a therapist who specializes in that form of treatment. Finding a therapist that fits your unique needs is the best way to ensure long-lasting and transformative recovery. If you are unsure of which type of therapy you’d like, you can always consult with a therapist of your choice who can evaluate your needs and make an informed decision.
Are They Experienced In Working With My Particular Needs?
Oftentimes, individuals have unique aspects of their life that should be nurtured and accepted during therapy. For example, if you are a part of the LGBTQ community, it’s wise to find a therapist that mentions treating LGBTQ-specific issues.[2] Or, if you suffer from profession-specific issues, such as being a first responder or a veteran, it’s best to find a therapist who has experience in treating the issues that stem from working in your specific field.
Get Started With a Substance Abuse Counselor in New Jersey Today!
If you or a loved one suffer from addiction and would like to get sober, begin a new way of life, and recover from substance abuse, look no further. New Jersey Interventions is here to help you get connected with a reputable and supportive substance abuse counselor as soon as possible!
Contact us today to get started with the perfect addiction therapist for your particular needs.
References:
Medically Reviewed: December 9, 2020
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.