Substance Abuse Counselor

For a substance abuse counselor, the worst thought they can have is “I am going to fix it”, in other words, assume a personal responsibility to sort out the addict’s problem(s), and re-organize their life for them.

A substance abuse counselor may take on such a “white knight” position quite unconsciously, and out of genuine desire to help, but they overstep the mark and their proper counseling role when they decide to “fix it”.

The substance abuse counselor who is thinking “I am going to fix it” is inappropriately assuming power and control over the addict, which any addict is sure to feel. Most addicts are suffering from the consequences of relationship with powerful “others” in their lives who have traumatized their emotional needs. Emotionally dependant individuals may cling to the substance abuse counselor as if to a surrogate mother, playing games and re-offending to gain the attention they need, Addicts who are emotionally avoidant types will sense the intended control and evade and avoid all encroachment.

Responsibility and the possibility of cure from chemical addiction rest entirely with the addict. The role of the substance abuse counselor is to be part of a team, to facilitate an environment for the addict in which recovery is possible, not by the counselor thinking “I am going to fix it”.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) forms of counseling are inherently “I am going to fix it” solutions. Appealing to cognitive process, backed up with carrots and sticks, does not get down to the underlying emotional turmoil that is addressed and repressed by use of addictive narcotics and stimulants. More natural means of counseling, informed by genuine psychodynamic theory, enable the addict to “own” his emotions, painful as they may be. When conflicted emotions are identified they can be observed, reprocessed, understood and eventually controlled by the substance abuser, rather than for the addict to continue to be controlled by his emotions.

Putting a band aid on the boil might be easier for the substance abuse counselor, whereas only a gentle but thorough lancing provides the possibility of healing.

A therapist who thinks “I am going to fix it”, even with the best of intentions, is really telling the addict that it’s my way, or the highway for you. An experienced substance abuse counselor shows strength not by forcing his own viewpoints and opinions, but by maintaining professional boundaries, structure and personal integrity. This helps the addict to develop self-respect and emotional maturity, the only real pathway to long-term recovery.

Any professional who is counseling drug or alcohol addicted individuals needs to be aware of and avoid this tendency of many in the helping professions to easily “see” the problem and want to jump in and “fix it”. Rest assured the addict knows best just what are his problems. The substance abuse counselor has the skills that are needed to help the addict sort out his problems for himself. All the average addict needs is some help with navigation, it is not the job of the substance abuse counselor to grab the wheel and drive the car.