Where to look for an addiction therapist?!


Question: My boyfriend is a drug addict. He had been clean for the past 4 years but recently relapsed for a couple weeks. I do not want to go through another relapse with him, I would like to get him to see some sort of addiction therapist. I'm not sure where to look. He says he would like to talk to someone to figure out how to deal with his problems (he definitely has a few). But I'm not sure where to start.
Thanks everyone


Answers: My boyfriend is a drug addict. He had been clean for the past 4 years but recently relapsed for a couple weeks. I do not want to go through another relapse with him, I would like to get him to see some sort of addiction therapist. I'm not sure where to look. He says he would like to talk to someone to figure out how to deal with his problems (he definitely has a few). But I'm not sure where to start.
Thanks everyone

It depends where you live. In the UK there is an increasing amount of support for families of addicts. Use the internet to see the local addiction services in your area, give them a quick call and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

If he's having a lapse, he can sort it out himself or he can go back to his old treatment agency (who ever supported him to begin with) and they will bring him back into treatment. Unfortunately mental health don't really treat addictions (at least in the UK) but drug treatment agencies do have counsellors and some have psychologists who can provide one-to-one support.

Most drug treatment agencies will take self-referrals, e.g. walk-in clinics but some will want GP referrals. Again, in the UK waiting times vary but usually people are seen quite quickly due to the nature of the problem.

Relapsing is not failure. It is something we can learn from to help us in the future. If he wants to deal with this the sooner he seeks help the better and easier it will be. There are those that argue a little relapse can actually help with staying drug-free as it shows the individual the exact reasons why they stopped using.

All the best x

What country are you in ...
Try social services in phone book ..help lines etc...

Hi there, first, I'd suggest that he start going to AA & NA meetings everyday. It's human to fall down, and I'm glad he has a girlfriend that is so compassionate about the situation, but don't forget to take care of yourself. I suggest that you attend a few co-dependant meetings as well.

Therapy might work for some people, but in my experience, a 12 step program works much better, or in-patient rehab works. I also understand that a relapse doesn't really warrent a rehab for the most part.

If I were you, and wanted to find a therapist I'd probably do a search for addiction counseling in your area. If in doubt, you can always call a counselor and get a referal. But again, I think it might be really beneficial for him to attend meetings, and for you take care of yourself as well!

EDIT: I just thought of something else... call a drug rehab. They typically have out-patient type programs with group therapy or they can definately refer you to an addiction specialist.

rehab





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories