Counseling Approaches to Promote Recovery from Problematic SU

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is available as an open-access article. Four major domains that support a life in recovery include health, home, purpose, and community. Counselors can help clients recovering from problematic substance use to promote a healthy life by connecting them with a range of tools and resources in these domains. To support long-term health and well-being, counselors can offer resources to clients about the benefits of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and healthy sleep habits. Clients may also need support in linking to preventive and primary care and sexual health services as well as in overcoming barriers to receiving care. Housing supports the long-term recovery of people recovering from problematic substance use. Those with problematic substance use may face barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing due to discrimination, having a criminal background or poor credit history, and systemic disenfranchisement. To support clients in this area, counselors should be aware of the barriers clients may face and provide information and resources about how to maintain stable housing and help clients develop life skills, including financial literacy (for example, how to keep a budget and minimize debt), and create long-lasting relationships with family and friends. Counselors should also connect clients with a case manager or social worker to assist with additional housing needs. Developing a sense of purpose is critical for long-term recovery and allows clients to both avoid substance use-related behaviors and engage in experiences that are enjoyable and rewarding. Counselors can support clients in developing a sense of purpose by offering tools so they can rewrite their personal narrative, pursue educational and employment opportunities, engage in volunteerism, and identify meaningful leisure activities. Counselors can help clients learn about and connect to various community and social supports, such as 12-Step and mutual-help groups, recovery community organizations, and digital aids, such as online support groups, which can expand a client's network beyond the immediate community. This course on counseling approaches for sustaining and promoting a healthy life is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with counseling approaches for sustaining and promoting a healthy life. The course material includes a literature review of interventions and research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding counseling approaches for sustaining and promoting a healthy life. Specifically, a professional will: Recognize the role of health in helping people in recovery stay well. Describe the importance of safe and stable housing in supporting long term recovery. Describe methods for instilling purpose in people in recovery. Identify strategies of building community amongst people in recovery. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Counseling Approaches to Promote Recovery from Problematic Substance Use and Related Issues. Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.https://store.samhsa.gov.