How to Choose the Right Addiction Counselor in South Carolina

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Living with addiction can negatively impact every aspect of your life. Your physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and finances can suffer greatly. For many people, addiction treatment is the first step toward the healthy, fulfilling lifestyle they choose.

Your addiction treatment program should address the complexity of addiction. This condition often has many root causes, and simply treating the physical part of addiction isn’t sufficient.

Substance abuse programs and aftercare treatment should include treatment for addiction’s behavioral and emotional aspects. Finding an addiction therapist is essential to your long-term success and satisfaction as you embrace sobriety for life.

If your or someone you love lives with addiction, you don’t have to go through this alone. For information about the supportive programs we offer, reach out to South Carolina Addiction Treatment staff today. Our compassionate addiction counselors are here to help.

Why Should I See an Addiction Therapist?

You will be much more likely to stay sober for the rest of your life if you have the support and treatment you need. An addiction therapist can play an essential role during your recovery by helping you identify and work towards your goals.

An addiction therapist is a type of mental health practitioner who has specialized training that allows them to offer support to people in recovery. Their education, training, and personal experience with addiction make them well suited to support others in recovery. Because many addiction counselors have personal experience with addiction and recovery, they offer non-judgmental support and advice to others living with substance abuse.

You may see an addiction therapist during your time in substance abuse treatment and then continue to engage in therapy afterward. Or, you may want to find an addiction counselor who can offer support at any point in your recovery.

How is Addiction Therapy Used in Substance Abuse Treatment?

A comprehensive substance abuse treatment plan addresses and treats the complex root causes of addiction. While many people begin a treatment program in detox, you will likely participate in various evidence-based and holistic therapies when detox is complete. These include:

• Individual therapy or counseling
• Medication management
• Education
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies–art and music therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga, mindfulness practice, acupuncture, and other treatments that may support healing

Therapy is one of the pillars of effective, whole-person addiction treatment. The goals of therapy are to help people identify destructive thoughts and behaviors and learn the skills they need to set and achieve goals. When people have the tools they need to manage stress, cope with triggers, and stay active in recovery, they are more likely to avoid relapse and stay in control of their choices for the rest of their lives.

Finding the Right Addiction Therapist for You

Your relationship with an addiction therapist will be unique. A counselor-client relationship is both profoundly personal and highly professional. For this reason, it is crucial to find an addiction therapist who has the training, personality, and experience to give you the support you need.

In general, your addiction therapist should be:

• Trustworthy
• Non-judgmental
• Experienced
• Reliable
• Easy to talk to

Before beginning therapy, ask questions about how they work, including the approach they use. Ask if they believe addiction is a disease and how they support clients in the case of a relapse. Make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist before beginning treatment. You must feel confident sharing personal information and trust that they can help you move forward during recovery.

How to Find an Addiction Counselor in South Carolina

An addiction therapist can provide invaluable support at any stage of recovery. It is important to find a substance abuse counselor who will give you the support you need.

There are several types of mental health practitioners who see people for various reasons, including treating a substance use disorder.

• Psychiatrists: These medical professionals can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medications to treat it.
• Psychologists: This type of practitioner can often prescribe medication and offers counseling services.

• Therapists: A therapist provides therapy but cannot prescribe medications or give medical advice. Depending on their client’s needs, they may see clients for a short time or have longer professional relationships.

Many people offer addiction counseling services. Because licensure can vary from state to state, finding someone with the training and experience necessary to provide effective treatment is crucial. When searching for an addiction counselor in South Carolina, get referrals from trustworthy sources, including:

• Your doctor or other medical professional
• Your insurance company
• 12-step group leaders
• Staff at your treatment facility

For more information about finding a trustworthy addiction therapist, reach out to South Carolina Addiction Treatment staff.

Find the Help You Need Today

At South Carolina Addiction Treatment, we believe that anyone can recover from addiction if they get the support and treatment they need. If you need treatment for a substance use disorder, reach out to us today. A team member is available 24/7 to assist.