One of the most important factors in your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is the level of care provided by your substance abuse professional. Consequently, a substance abuse professional has many names and plays various roles in the recovery of those seeking treatment for substance use disorder.
What Is a Substance Abuse Professional?
This title describes someone who is specially trained and licensed in treating or assisting with the treatment of clients who suffer from substance use disorder. Accordingly, this professional may perform a variety of duties for a wide range of employers, including:
- Drug and alcohol treatment centers
- Behavioral health clinics
- Hospitals
- Private companies
They may be qualified to design a treatment plan and to work one-on-one to treat clients. In addition, this professional may also work with the families of those who struggle with addiction, to help find needed resources such as child care, housing, and employment.
Duties of a Substance Abuse Professional
Depending upon where this professional works, they may be responsible for various duties such as:
- Assessing your condition as you enter into drug and alcohol treatment
- Working with you to develop your treatment plan
- Counseling you as part of your care
- Prescribing and dispensing your replacement medications
- Deciding whether you’re fit to return to jobs such as driving a truck or piloting a plane
The more education and training your professional has, the more hands-on they can be in your treatment. For instance, only medical doctors, advanced registered nurse practitioners, certified physician’s assistants, naturopathic doctors, and pharmacists may write prescriptions. As a result, in your recovery journey, you may encounter one or all of these medical professionals throughout the course of your treatment. In contrast, other substance abuse professionals may do screenings, process urine samples, and conduct group counseling sessions, depending upon their level of education, degree, and licensure.
Staff and Your Recovery
Generally speaking, a substance abuse treatment facility is only as good as its staff. Compassion is as important as knowledge and training. Experience in treating substance use disorder is helpful, as well. A supportive care team is as necessary for recovery as is an integrative treatment plan. You’ll work with substance abuse professionals on a daily basis as part of a residential care plan. Therefore, it’s vital that you’re able to develop a mutually respectful relationship and a comfortable rapport.
The staff should always be willing to discuss treatment plans and any changes. Addiction treatment plans may change to include the following as more is learned:
- Gender-specific rehab program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual, group, or family therapy
Treatment at Five Palms
At Five Palms, we choose the members of our staff carefully. As a result, everyone you encounter has your recovery as a top priority. Members of our care team are always professional and always responsible. They have a keen understanding of the toll addiction and mental illness takes on individuals and families, and they’re experienced in overcoming barriers to recovery.
The stress and anxiety of everyday life falls away at Five Palms, and you’re free to work on feeling better. Our upscale accommodations and friendly professionals lend a resort-level of care to your treatment as you learn healthy coping mechanisms and recovery behaviors that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
When you’re ready to heal from substance use disorder, mental health issues, or any combination of the two, you can count on Five Palms to see you through the darkness and into the light. Contact one of our friendly representatives without delay at 1.844.675.1022 to begin your journey to a happier, healthier future right now.
