Alcohol and drug use is a major concern within society, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds using substances such as alcohol and drugs to cope with everyday life. The USA has been particularly hard hit in recent years due to an epidemic of opioid use, with increasing rates of fatal overdoses that need to be addressed. Alongside this, alcohol abuse remains a major problem and an estimated 86% of adults aged 18 and over have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives.

Given the magnitude of drug and alcohol usage, it is essential that there is access to drug and alcohol counselling services. By providing individuals with the knowledge and support they need to overcome their challenges, counselling services become a valuable resource in the goal to maintain physical and emotional well-being. Here we run through the reasons why counselling services are so needed.

Impacts of Drug and Alcohol

The misuse of alcohol and drugs can have life-altering implications. The first signs of impact are likely to involve heightened risk taking behaviour, such as driving under the influence or taking risks with relationships. Long-term effects can involve such things as addiction, mental health problems, and physical health complications like liver disease. It is these potential impacts that make drug and alcohol counselling services so vital.

Providing Support

Drug and alcohol counselling services provide individuals with support that sets out to prevent or reduce the risk of dependency. This is done in a variety of ways that depend upon the goals of the individual. This includes providing educational information regarding the risks and effects of substance abuse, as well as creating a plan for recovery and making sure that there is a support network of family and friends in place. Additionally, counselling services work in terms of prevention, helping individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices and become more aware of the impact of substance abuse.

Facilitating Change

The main role of drug and alcohol counselling services is to facilitate change. The ultimate aim of counselling is to help an individual gain insight into their own behaviour and find the motivation to create positive change. It is here where the power of counselling lies and why it is so important to have access to these services. It is through strengthening social skills, enhancing self-efficacy, and addressing any underlying mental health issues that individuals can foster change and maintain health and well-being.

Creating Awareness

By offering access to counselling services, individuals can become more informed and aware of the impact of substance abuse upon their own health and well-being and the well-being of those around them. Drug and alcohol counselling services can help to create meaningful conversations about drug and alcohol abuse on a social and educational level, whilst providing resources of support on an individual level.

The Need for Counselling Services

Given the depth of the problem of substance misuse and the extent to which it can impact lives, it is essential that access to drug and alcohol counselling services is widespread and accessible. From providing a preventative approach to helping individuals overcome addiction, counselling services can play a major role in reducing the risk and impact of substance abuse, providing able and much-needed support.