Addressing the physical condition of drug dependency involves a careful, moderated process. Detoxing and undergoing medical treatment during rehab helps preserve someone's health during a difficult time. Without effective drug addiction counseling during and after rehab, the chances for a relapse increase. During the counseling session, an addiction therapist addresses many areas of concern, including people and places not helpful to the recovery. Without a therapist's insights, a patient may accidentally head down an "assisted" path of relapse.

Negative Influences Can Hamper Recovery

Viewers of the VH-1 reality television program "Celebrity Rehab" gain insight into addiction counseling. Dr. Drew Pinsky provided many insights on the show. One intriguing theme he stressed involved celebrities must get away from their professions to recovery. A rock star runs a tremendous chance of relapsing when dealing with the stress and temptations of a tour. While the average person won't go out on a worldwide tour, he/she may still deal with negative influences. Any environment or person deemed unsafe for recovery poses a threat. 

Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Negatives

Spending Sundays watching football at someone's home where alcohol and drugs flow freely isn't likely advisable for a recovering addict. An experienced counselor would surely point out all the potential problems associated with attending the party. Other exposures to drug use might not be so obvious. What if a neighbor comes over and smells of marijuana and alcohol? While not as overt, the exposure could have an effect.

Drama and Undesirable Negativity

Not every trigger could involve exposure to alcohol and drugs. Many people turn to substance abuse to change both feelings and state of mind. People who cause others anxiety and stress present trouble. Friends, family, and employers who create problems could lead someone towards a relapse. Extracting yourself from their presence might not be easy or, in some cases, possible. Trying to navigate such a stressful scenario may become overwhelming. Working with a counselor at least means you don't suffer through things alone.

Support, Advice, and Counseling

A drug addiction counselor helps patients in many ways. Probing to uncover hidden psychological problems behind addiction is one. Counselors, however, can deal with the present, too. Speak to a counselor about anything currently bothering you or potentially undermining recovery. Don't assume any negative interactions with others is too minor to discuss. Make sure the therapist knows about anything concerning you. With a complete picture, a counselor may find him/herself in a better position to help.

For more help, contact a mental health counselor such as Sharon O'Connell, MA today.