How to Use Therapy or Counseling

There are many different types of therapy and counseling approaches for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems. Treatment is most effective when it helps clients develop and improve skills for dealing with the challenges and demands of recovery and the problems associated with substance use. Involving family in the treatment process can also increase the chances of successful treatment; so can active participation in mutual support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The goals of this chapter are for clients to learn how to get the most out of their treatment and to familiarize themselves with behaviors that may have a negative impact on their therapy.