A specialised form of therapy that helps people to explore their situation, understand addictive patterns, and make changes to improve their wellbeing. The intensity of support can vary.
You may just want to commit to having an addictions assessment, which usually takes one or two sessions. You can then come up with a plan to take away with you and put into action. Or, you may want to have more sessions to continue getting support as you make changes.
Addictions counselling is provided by many health professionals. In New Zealand many are registered as addictions practitioners under dapaanz – the Addictions Practitioner Association Aotearoa New Zealand, who have a searchable directory on their website.
It’s common for other forms of talk therapy to also be used as part of this service.
How could it be helpful?
Addictions counselling supports people with many different types of addictive behaviour (e.g. drug use, and gambling). Booking in for a session can be a great first step to help explore what’s happening and figure out if there is anything you want to do differently. You don’t need to come in already knowing what the main problems are. You can work that out together with the addictions practitioner.
Addictions counselling can help you explore what has led to your situation, what makes it worse, what helps, and what might be keeping you stuck. This could involve discussion about your relationships with others, building your skills, and exploring other changes you might want to make. The first session will usually start with a brief conversation about what is happening, or in certain cases (e.g. mandated by court) you may have a more thorough exploration called a ‘comprehensive addictions assessment’.
Here are some of the key aspects of addictions counselling you may experience:
Comprehensive addictions assessment
A comprehensive addictions assessment helps you determine whether your drug use is causing problems in your life. It helps you identify the actions you can take to make positive changes or prevent future issues. An addictions assessment is typically conducted in a single session;, however, in more complex situations (e.g. involvement in criminal proceedings, applying to get a driver's license after disqualification, or considering a residential/live-in treatment programme) a few sessions may be needed. In these cases, the service may want to speak to others in your life to get a different perspective on your situation. With your permission, they might also contact health services for more information.
The assessment process will explore your wellbeing throughout your life and focus on how your drug use may have impacted you and the people around you. The assessment may also explore other health needs, such as mental health support, blood-borne viruses, and physical health conditions. You will also be asked about any risks to your own safety or the safety of those around you.
By the end of the assessments, you should gain a better understanding of:
- The severity of the substance-use problems that you experience. This is often measured using the DSM-V criteria for substance use disorders.
- The factors that led to the situation you are in.
- The factors that make the situation worse.
- The factors that keep you feeling stuck in the same patterns.
- The protective factors that are helping to improve the situation or prevent further problems.
After the assessment, you will also discuss the actions you could take to make meaningful changes. These should feel practical and relevant to you. At the end of the process, you might leave with a plan and have the opportunity to keep getting support from the addictions service or a different health/social service.
Withdrawal management
Cutting down or stopping regular use of alcohol or other drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is your body adjusting to not having alcohol or other drugs after you’ve been using for an extended period of time. Addiction services can help you prepare to safely withdraw from the drug you are using. For many different drugs, people can successfully withdraw at home, however, there are certain drugs where medical care is essential as the withdrawal can be dangerous (e.g. alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines).
Your addiction service will talk with you about what you have been using, any withdrawal effects you’ve experienced in the past (if you have tried to reduce or stop using before), and work with you to create a plan that suits your needs. More info on managing withdrawal.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse Prevention is a personalised strategy to help you stick to the goals you set and avoid starting up old patterns again. Having a plan in place gives you the tools to respond when warning signs appear. Lapses (temporary setbacks) can happen and are normal. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of avoiding a full relapse. A relapse prevention plan helps you to:
- Recognise your triggers and risky situations
- Spot early warning signs
- Use coping strategies
- Lean on your support network
- Activate an emergency plan if needed
- Build a healthy lifestyle with routines and goals.
How to access?
You can search Health Point to find an addictions counselling service near you. Many services will allow you to contact them directly and self-refer while others will need a referral from your doctor (GP).
Real experiences
"Doing the steps and staying away from old associates, people that were still using. That was the whole foundation of where I am today."
- Dylan