The journey to addiction recovery is no easy feat, it involves both mental and physical liberation. This is why addicts need professional psychological help during the recovery process. 

A counsellor’s role goes far beyond simply listening, teaching, and offering advice, they help patients recognize problematic behaviours, guide them into recovery, and empower them to take action and make necessary changes.

They create a therapeutic alliance with their patients by creating a trusting atmosphere and developing strong and real bond with them. That way addiction patients can be vulnerable enough to express themselves without fear of judgement.

They not only communicate but listen they use a combination of endearment, knowledge and understanding to provide rational explanations for their predicament. They also encourage patient recovery by ensuring addiction patients stick with rehab and treatment.

By showing non-possessive warmth, friendliness, genuineness, respect affirmation and empathy, patients will record significant progress.

During recovery, relapses are very common and can prove detrimental to the patient’s recovery progress. Counsellors therefore help patients develop a relapse prevention and recovery plan.

More so, family can be greatly impacted if they have an addict in recovery as this requires substantial amount of work, social considerations, guidance and motivation.

Counsellors therefore provide education on substance abuse, the recovery progress, family support groups, and what loved ones can do to support their loved one.

They also refer patients to outside support groups. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can help recovery addicts connect with like-minded peers, help them understand their addiction better without judgements and reinforce that they’re not alone during the recovery process.

The role of a recovery counsellor cannot be overemphasized. It is a key component in ensuring that the patient is fully recovered.