Rehab Counselors: What’s Their Role In Your Recovery?

You have many questions about what’s in store for a loved one or yourself as the time comes to finally check into rehab.

The idea of meeting new people in an unfamiliar world on a challenging path can instill anxiety. Especially when you consider the close, personal and professional relationship counselors form with their patients.

You might be worried about what that person’s goals are, how they may interact with you, and if or how they will help you toward recovery. This can be overwhelming with everything that’s going on.

Here’s your introduction to a counselor’s role in rehabilitation, including their goals, how they will help you, and how you can ultimately tell if they’re right for you.

Before we get into a counselor’s role, here are two quick things.

What is recovery?

Regarding drug or alcohol substance abuse disorders, recovery is the process of becoming healthy after an illness. And it’s much more complex when an addiction is present.

To recover is to overcome the clutches of addiction. That means more than to simply stop using. Even after detox, one can still relapse if desires to use aren’t kept under control.

Recovering means reaching a better state of well-being both physically and mentally. While the temptations may still exist, the mental strength to overcome them and manage those feelings accordingly are necessary to stay clean.

That may mean seeking help from a counselor long after your initial stay has concluded.

What are the ultimate goals of rehab?

There are two goals of drug rehabilitation.

The first and most distinctive is to overcome drug addiction. The second is that it works with the same goal as any other rehabilitation center—to help people with disabilities or illnesses return to a productive, positive, functioning part of society, the workplace, and their families.

While the entire system does revolve around drug or alcohol substance abuse disorders, there’s more to accomplish than simply prohibiting the use of said substances. Daily meetings, group, and one-on-one therapy, and 12-step program meetings are all a part of the experience.

Every patient has different needs. Therefore, each person’s daily routine in rehabilitation is subject to variation, and a certified rehabilitation counselor will help tailor the experience to the patient.

What does a rehab counselor do?

One of the most critical functions of a counselor is finding out what the patient’s therapeutic needs are through one-on-one sessions. This doesn’t exactly mean they’ll act as a therapist, but they will get to know their patients personally.

They’ll take the time to find out what personal obstacles they are facing and help them take the proper steps to get the treatment they need, including additional sessions with a licensed therapist — It’s important to remember that therapists and counselors are not the same.

On top of that, the counselor performs patient intakes, maintains records, provides plan orientation and general answers to questions surrounding substance abuse to both the patient and family members.

In short, the counselor is a guide through the rehabilitation program. They’re here to ensure patients get the help they need and can even offer crisis intervention when necessary.

How do I know if my counselor is correct for me?

The best way to tell if a counselor is right for you is to determine if they’ve truly earned your trust. It’s easy to give someone that if they have an official license and are a part of a program, but that doesn’t mean they’re any good for you.

A good counselor listens to you. They show genuine care for you, take the time to communicate things so that you understand, and display that they are genuinely interested in your well-being and success on the road to recovery.

Can I switch counselors?

You absolutely can switch a counselor if you feel that they aren’t suitable for you. You can switch rehabs mid-treatment if you don’t feel it’s good for you. There are no laws that keep you from doing that.

It’s important to know that if you are at a rehab center that you don’t like but trust the counselor, they can help you find a different treatment center. It might seem awkward at the time, but keep in mind that they are ultimately there to help you find the best route for recovery.

It’s important to remember that a counselor is essentially your guide through rehabilitation. They are not therapists, nor can they act as one, but they will give you the answers to find the best options you should consider based on your personal needs.