- 1). Teach mental health counselors how to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Present information on the physiological, behavioral and psychological effects of both uppers (i.e., stimulants)--like cocaine and amphetamines--and downers (i.e., depressants)--like alcohol and barbiturates. Teach the importance of knowing slang terms for substances so that mental health counselors will know what patients mean when referencing a drug by its street name.
- 2). Devote a section of mental health counselors' training to understanding the dynamics of addiction. Present information on the sociocultural and psychological factors contributing to the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction. Teach counselors how to recognize the types of drug paraphernalia used by addicts.
- 3). Train mental health counselors in substance abuse crisis situations. Teach how to diffuse an unstable situation or patient, such as when the substance abuser is experiencing a "craving." Intervention techniques may include relaxation and deep breathing exercises. Teach the counselors how to recognize when alcohol and drug detoxification methods such as naltrexone and disulfiram are recommended and used.
- 4). Teach mental health counselors how to assess the seriousness of abuse in substance abusers. Counselors must be knowledgeable about which psychological tests to use during patient assessment, as well as when and how to use self-report surveys and questionnaires. The seriousness of substance abuse often depends on the level of treatment given to clients.
- 5). Explain to mental health counselors the importance of using a client-centered treatment approach. Teach the counselor techniques for developing a therapeutic alliance with patients, such as rapport-building and complimenting the patient on getting help with the substance abuse problem. Help mental health counselors understand that a client-centered approach views confronting denial in drug abusers as counterproductive and that, instead, the counselor must work with the client to overcome his resistance to change or treatment.
- 6). Teach effective coping techniques to mental health counselors so that these tools can be given to patients. Short-term coping techniques help abusers deal with "cravings," and long-term abstinence coping techniques help abusers stay drug-free and clean.
- 7). Give a presentation to mental health counselors about the importance of patient eduction. Counselors should learn how and when to teach clients about the long- and short-term detrimental effects that drugs and alcohol have on the brain and body. Client education may help prevent relapses.
- 8). Teach mental health counselors how to create and implement treatment plans for substance abusers based on the client's needs. Counselors should be taught when to recommend recovering addicts to halfway houses. Emphasize self-help treatment options to counselors, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), to give patients support after in-patient treatment stops. Teach mental health counselors the importance of and how to involve the addict's family members in the treatment process.
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