If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, you may understand the physical toll substance abuse can take on your body. But addiction is not just a physical disease. It also impacts your mind. Repeated use of drugs and alcohol can change the way your brain works. It can cause or worsen existing mental health problems. Left untreated, addiction can cause anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health conditions.

Sometimes, people use drugs and alcohol to cover up or dull the symptoms of a mental illness like depression or anxiety. Others use drugs and alcohol to help them cope with the pain of trauma. People may develop an addiction after self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

Most people require some kind of addiction treatment to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. To be effective in the long-term, addiction treatment must treat not just a person’s body, but their mind as well. Substance abuse counseling and education must be part of an effective addiction treatment program. 

Not every therapist or counselor is capable of providing substance abuse counseling. A counselor should have special training, life experience, and certification before offering these specific services. Choosing the right substance abuse counselor in New Jersey is important for each and every patient, so it’s helpful to know which qualities to look for.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

A substance abuse counselor provides support and understanding during your recovery journey. Their job is to teach you the skills you need to cope with life without returning to substance abuse and to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for people to process their feelings about recovery. 

Some of the other things a substance abuse counselor offers include:

• Help to set and achieve goals related to recovery
• Non-judgmental listening
• Encouragement
• Coping skills
• Better communication skills
• Identifying and healing trauma
• Feedback
• Reliable support

No two people have the same experience in recovery, and substance abuse counselors need to be able to adapt their approach to meet the needs of each, unique individual who walks through their doors. But the goal is always the same: to help people live healthy, fulfilling, sober lives.

Qualities of a Good Substance Abuse Counselor in New Jersey

People must feel safe and comfortable with their substance abuse counselor to get the most out of their time in treatment. Ultimately, the right counselor for you is the one who makes you feel supported, understood, and accepted. 

A good substance abuse counselor must be:

• Dedicated: They are committed to supporting and understanding their patients. They keep up to date on new techniques and approaches, and have adequate support for themselves.
• A good listener: Your counselor should listen to what you are saying and make it clear that they have truly heard you. 
• Empathetic: A substance abuse counselor should understand your feelings and provide a safe atmosphere for you to share your feelings openly.
• Adaptable: The counselor should help people the way they need to be helped and be able to use different techniques as needed.
• Open-minded: Your counselor should be accepting, understanding, and non-judgmental.
• Confidential: The information you share in your sessions should be kept completely private. Your counselor should follow professional guidelines to ensure that your privacy is protected. 

Above everything else, your counselor should make you feel comfortable. When searching for a substance abuse counselor in New Jersey, ask for referrals from reputable sources and ask the counselor any questions you have. It is important that you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings freely so that you can participate fully in your treatment. 

How to Find a Substance Abuse Counselor in New Jersey

New Jersey has a large, active recovery community, and there are many resources available to people who need support during their recovery from addiction. If you are in search of a drug and alcohol counselor in New Jersey, there are several ways to find the right one.

• Get a referral from your doctor or healthcare professional
• Attend a recovery support group or 12-step meeting
• Call your local hospital
• Look for advertisements online
• Contact a local addiction treatment facility

One of the simplest and most reliable ways of finding a qualified addiction counselor is to reach out to a local addiction treatment facility. If you are looking for a substance abuse counselor in New Jersey, reach out to the knowledgeable staff at The Living Room. We will help you find a qualified, reputable counselor who can help you navigate your journey through addiction recovery.

Start Substance Abuse Counseling in New Jersey Today

If you or someone you love requires addiction treatment or substance abuse counseling in Princeton, please reach out to the staff at The Living Room. We offer a range of supportive, comprehensive treatment programs that are designed to empower people to overcome addiction.

You do not have to live with addiction. With the right treatment, anyone can recover. Don’t wait another day for the treatment you need and deserve. Give us a call to speak with one of our knowledgeable admissions counselors today.