Author: Amy-Work In Progress

Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 2:50 pm

I have taken 2 of 7 classes toward my certification as an addiction counselor in the state of Colorado. If the curriculum is any indication, new counselors are being taught that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder. There are several modalities of counseling available when working with addicts. New medications should be considered as a part of evidence-based recovery methods. When an addict relapses, it’s an expected part of addiction, and not a reason to be kicked out of treatment. Rather, a relapse indicates that the counselor needs to reassess what is needed for the addict to achieve recovery.

I have not noticed any kind of bias against maintenance medications. I have a feeling, however, that it’s going to take time for newer, evidence-based practices to trickle into the mainstream.

Amy