Professionalization of Substance Abuse Counseling
01 Sep 1990-Journal of applied rehabilitation counseling (Springer Publishing Company)-Vol. 21, Iss: 3, pp 11-15
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss substance abuse counseling in relation to rehabilitation counseling and suggest that the profession of rehabilitation counseling can have a positive impact on the professionalization of substance abuse counselling, and discuss key issues in substance abuse treatment that are important for rehabilitation counselors to understand.
Abstract: This article discusses substance abuse counseling in relation to rehabilitation counseling. Its purpose is to suggest that the profession of rehabilitation counseling can have a positive impact on the professionalization of substance abuse counseling. Key issues in substance abuse treatment that are important for rehabilitation counselors to understand are discussed. Implications for rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation counselor education are presented.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a subjective assessment of an acceptable level of functioning was verified by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) screening instrument, which was used as a brief screening measure in counseling, and enhancing nonproblematic substance users' selfefficacy in safely controlling their substance use.
Abstract: - This descriptive study presents a method of identifying factors associated with a nonproblematic level of functioning with 11 nontreatment female cocaine users. A subjective assessment of an acceptable level of functioning was verified by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) screening instrument (McLellan et al., 1992). Findings indicated that nonproblematic female, nontreatment cocaine users are from diverse social classes, have social and economic concerns comparable to the general population, and share similar values with the general population. In contrast to the substance use or abuse treatment approach of total abstinence, a continuum model is presented ranging from nonproblematic to highly problematic use. Implications for rehabilitation counselors include awareness of the continuum model, familiarity with the ASI as a brief screening measure in counseling, and enhancing nonproblematic substance users' self-efficacy in safely controlling their substance use. Also identified are issues, values, and perceptions particular to female users.Keywords: addictions, cocaine, level of functioning, values, women, culture, interpersonal relationshipsSubstance use/abuse as a presenting or secondary disability in vocational rehabilitation settings continues to be extremely high in America. West (2005) found that substance abuse counselors in Texas provided low rates of vocational services, which limited their ability to assist clients, and they were not likely to refer their clients to vocational rehabilitation services. A study by Olmstead and Sinclair (2004) found that although 75% of substance abuse counselors indicated that their clients needed rehabilitation counseling services, only 15% reported having training in the vocational area and even fewer, 5%, reported referring their clients for rehabilitation services. Nelipovich and Buss reported that 15 to 30% of people with disabilities also abuse alcohol or drugs, about twice the rate of the general population (as cited in Janikowski, Donnell, & Lawrence, 2007). The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Substance Abuse, Disability, and Vocational Rehabilitation (1996) estimated that 25% of clients receiving vocational rehabilitation services also have issues with substances.According to West (2008), there should be a full assessment of how vocational rehabilitation services are provided by substance abuse treatment providers. One alternative would be to have vocational rehabilitation counselors trained and certified in the area of substance abuse counseling. Rodgers-Bonaccorsy (2010) suggested that rehabilitation counselors need training in substance abuse disorders. Rodgers-Bonaccorsy also stated that this training will help remove the negative attitudes rehabilitation counselors may have against people with disabilities who also have substance use disorders. This additional training would provide vocational rehabilitation clients with masters5 level counselors who are well versed in providing both vocational rehabilitation services and substance abuse services.According to Dawson, Grant, and Stinson (2006), only 25.5% of those who need substance abuse treatment receive it. In the Dawson et al. study, the majority of those receiving treatment were involved with the abstinence model in one way or another. Of this 25.5%, 3.1% participated in 12-Step programs, 5.4% received formal treatment only, and the remaining 17.0% participated in both 12-Step and formal treatment programs. The indication here is that only a minority of people who have problems with substance abuse disorders receive treatment. In fact, 75% of persons who recover from substance abuse disorders do so without seeking any kind of help, including specialty drug (rehab) programs and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2010).Lewis, Dana, and Blevins (1994, 2002) argued that of those counselors with any training in substance abuse, many have been exposed to substance abuse as a dichotomy (total abstinence vs. …
3 citations
01 Jan 2002
3 citations
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...Recently the addictions treatment field has come under fire for providing cookie cutter treatment, that is, approaches to treatment that vary little from person to person and are based predominantly on the Minnesota Model (Collins, 1995; Stude, 1990)....
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TL;DR: In this article, a small group approach to teaching job interview skills to recovering alcoholics and drug abusers is described, based on current research findings, and the authors present one way rehabilitation can help satisfy this need.
Abstract: Based upon current research findings, this article describes a small group approach to teaching job interview skills to recovering alcoholics and drug abusers. Recovering substance abusers need help in making the transition from treatment to employment. This article presents one way rehabilitation can help satisfy this need.
2 citations
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TL;DR: It is argued that counselor education programs should include an integrated course that facilitates student self-awareness in conjunction with practical experience with a variety of clients.
Abstract: Literature on the counseling needs of special populations typically has focused on the inadequate treatment those populations receive. Counselor education programs have responded by developing courses that target specific populations such as women, minorities, or disabled people. There are serious drawbacks, however, to this proliferation of specialized courses. In this article the authors discuss those drawbacks and argue that counselor education programs should include an integrated course that facilitates student self-awareness in conjunction with practical experience with a variety of clients.
40 citations
"Professionalization of Substance Ab..." refers background in this paper
...Regular Classes Margolis and Rungta (1986) argued that responding to inadequate treatment of special populations by adding courses that target these populations results in a proliferation of specialized courses which not only strains budgets but creates an excessive number of units for students....
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TL;DR: The incidence, problems and treatment issues involved when dealing with individuals who have a psychiatric disorder and concurrent substance abuse problem and the reasons are not very clear are examined.
Abstract: This review examines the incidence, problems and treatment issues involved when dealing with individuals who have a psychiatric disorder and concurrent substance abuse problem. There is an increasing number of these clients evidenced in psychiatric and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities and the reasons are not very clear. Suggestions are offered for a pilot treatment program and future directions recommended for addressing the special needs of this subpopulation.
21 citations
"Professionalization of Substance Ab..." refers background in this paper
...Lett (1988) suggested that rehabilitation counselors without experience in working with persons abusing substances may not recognize significant signs in their client's history....
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...Lett (1988) mdicated that often the primary diagnosis of alcoholism is viewed as a secondary problem or is undetected in persons with severe psychiatric disorders and that as many as 40% of persons with a psychiatric diagnosis also have serious drinking problems and should be considered as having a…...
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Journal Article•
13 citations
TL;DR: Based on a theoretical “hourglass” model of alcoholism, aids for diagnosis and treatment, as well as recommendations for counselor training, are presented.
Abstract: Alcoholism, America's third leading disabling condition, is discussed in regard to (a) its relation to other disabilities relevant to rehabilitation counseling, (b) its more critical symptoms, (c) intervention and confrontation, and (d) signs of recovery. Based on a theoretical “hourglass” model of alcoholism, aids for diagnosis and treatment, as well as recommendations for counselor training, are presented.
12 citations
Additional excerpts
...On-theother-hand, Dudek (1984) stated that "Alcoholics Anonymous...
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TL;DR: The author describes cognitive deficits that are attributable to alcoholism and the prospect for recovery of these impaired skills and the potential treatment role of this psychological subspecialty and its implication for alcoholism counselors.
Abstract: The author describes cognitive deficits that are attributable to alcoholism and discusses the prospect for recovery of these impaired skills. Rather than viewing neuropsychological testing simply as a diagnostic exercise, the author considers the potential treatment role of this psychological subspecialty and its implication for alcoholism counselors.
10 citations
"Professionalization of Substance Ab..." refers background in this paper
...Clifford (1986) reported a study in which AA membership was the strongest predictor for maintaining sober behavior....
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