AOD Counselling
AOD Counselling can take place in different forms, most often in one-to-one but is also available in a couple, family and group format. Referral to day programmes or residential (live-in) programmes is sometimes required or mandated. In whatever modality counselling is undertaken, it provides the client with an opportunity to discuss their relationship with the problem substance or behaviour and it's impact on their life and/or those around them.
AOD Counselling is a specialised form of counselling that views serious and problematic use of a substance or behaviour as a symptom of underlying issues – inevitably such underlying issues are present. In the initial stages, the problematic and addictive elements of one’s life are assessed, the information evaluated and a specialised treatment plan be developed. Client goals are formulated, to assist the client to achieve change, for a better life.
AOD Counselling is a facilitative process which helps individuals overcome any personal fears and anxiety which they may be experiencing. The primary benefit is that it will help someone in difficulty in their efforts to address and take action as to what needs to be done. It allows an intensive exploration of the sources of the addictive behaviour and enables the person to reach a level of self-understanding that is essential to recovery. It aims to assist in the following ways:
To strengthen self-worth
To identify and learn how do react to common substance and behavioural triggers
To find positive ways to manage stressful events and emotions
To develop practical skills for dealing with cravings
To assist the individual with rebuilding trusting relationships with others
To become responsible and self directed
The counsellor's role is to facilitate the client’s growth in ways which respect the person’s values, cultural values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination, leading to lifelong recovery.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING AN AOD COUNSELLOR?
People who will most likely benefit from the specialised skill of an AOD counsellor are likely to be those who are directly affected by the impact of a behaviour or substance that is causing or has caused them harm or distress irrespective of the amount, frequency or usage now or in the past. Examples could include people who are currently chronically abusing alcohol or drugs or caught up in compulsive gambling or pornography, to people who are just concerned about their usage of certain chemicals such as prescription drugs or eating behaviours. Some people may have stopped their alcohol or drug use for years but are still unhappy and carrying the effects of the past with them and are seeking to recover from earlier, problematic situations in their lives.
DO AOD COUNSELLORS WORK WITH FAMILIES?
Yes, many AOD counsellors in fact specialise in assisting partners, parents and other family members with the significant struggle of caring for a loved one.
Family members are often remarkable in their ability to carry on despite the worry, fear and stress brought into their lives by the behaviours of another. Such family members often find themselves moving from worry and concern to anger and frustration until they eventually find themselves exhausted or even in despair because of the behavoiurs of another.
AOD does not only damage the health and wellbeing of those addicted but can sometimes have a similar impact on others. AOD counsellors have the skill, training and compassion to assist family members in such distress and will provide important therapeutic support in both publically and privately funded settings.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING AND REGULATION?
In New Zealand dapaanz is the professional association for people working in AOD treatment. dapaanz support and foster an excellent, ethical and culturally responsive AOD workforce that helps people struggling with AOD get high quality, effective help.