Substance abuse in simple words can be explained as a pattern of dangerous or unsafe use of substances for mood altering purposes. These substances include alcohol and drugs, in fact a few more substances that are not even drugs at all.

Treating a substance abuse can be very complicated due to the genetic, environmental and psychological factors. People question things like why does one sibling became an alcoholic and not the other? Well, the truth is that even identical twins can be different, with one being an addict and other being sober, in fact every single individual on this entire planet is unique in their own way! Which is where addiction counseling comes into picture. The whole process of diagnosing and identifying the deep-rooted emotional traumas, miscellaneous social factors and even life stressors begins, which could be the actual cause for addiction and for this reason all of it is important to know before one could be treated.

Some noticeable physical symptoms include; bloodshot or glazed eyes, dilated pupils, abrupt weight changes and sleeping problems. On the other hand, some of the common behavioral symptoms include; increased aggression, personality changes, lethargy, depression, changes in the social life, involvement in some or the other kind of a criminal activity and dramatic changes in habits and priorities. The key is to ‘change’, it is important to observe for any significant changes in the person’ physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Once the treatment begins and starts by the process of detoxification, the individual has severe physical and mental dependence. It takes time and positive motivation to move to the next step that leads to gradually being sober. Yet, the addicts are at a very high risk for a relapse.

Stress, emotional or due to the work space
Social networks, like spending time with people who continue substance abuse

These factors could be the cause of a relapse and could create ongoing irresistible urges to use drugs.

However, a substance abuse counselor is a mental health counselor specializing in treating and helping patients who try to deal and cope up with substance dependency. The therapist or the counselor works with their clients for them to overcome dependencies and become self-sufficient. All in all going to a professional helps one in many ways, yet it doesn’t always needs to be one on one therapy and so E-therapy could be equally helpful. E-therapy works slightly different from that to regular therapy, but still works wonders for one who is willing to change! They work on various therapies like:

• Contingency management therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Therapy including talks with partners or family
• Maintenance therapy