Addiction Recovery

8 Required Skills of People Working in Drug Rehab Programs

January 24, 2022

Handling a person struggling with substance use can be challenging. Here are some skills required for someone who works in drug rehab programs.

Rehab programs are a way to help people who are struggling with addiction get back on their feet. Working in a rehab program requires many special skills that most people do not have.

When dealing with drug addiction treatment, one should be well educated on the topic, be patient, non-judgmental, empathetic, and hardworking. Furthermore, they must have experience in counseling, recovery processes, and addiction in general.

Most people entering a drug addiction rehab program are very vulnerable. They are at their lowest point in life when they seek help to get better. This makes it all the more important that those working in these programs know how to deal with them properly.

It is not easy for an average person to understand another's situation without any prior knowledge of what might have led them down the path of drug or alcohol abuse. The right attitude can also be critical to winning back trust so that addicts will follow through with the treatment plan put before them.

Drug addicts can be ntimidating to deal with, but here are some of the required skills for working in a drug rehab program:

Source: Pexels

8 Required Skills of People Working in Drug Rehab Programs

1. Being a Good Listener

As a person who works for a drug abuse treatment program, you will be dealing with many people who are under the influence of drugs. This means that they might act differently than their normal selves would act, or say things that they may regret later on. 

The point is that you must have patience when dealing with these people and let them know you care about them. Sometimes this can mean just being a sounding board for them so they can express themselves without judgment.

2. Patience

Having enough patience is something one should have even if you are not working for a drug abuse treatment program. The point is that depending on the person being treated, their progress might be slow or fast-paced. 

For different people, overcoming addiction can mean different things. It can depend on how long they have been using drugs or what kind of drugs they are using.

3. Having Self-discipline

When working in a rehab program, people who are trying to overcome their addiction will look up to you as someone they can learn from and ask questions about how they should go about their "rehab process.” 

It helps them when you lead by example by taking care of yourself physically and emotionally. This way, you will be able to give your best to people who need you most during their most difficult times.

4. Being Non-judgmental

Some people who are working in drug rehab programs have already been through addiction themselves, or they may know someone who has. Because of this, it is vital that you do not judge anyone. 

Addicts are easy targets for discrimination because of their habits, but you have to understand where everyone is coming from so you can help them in the best way possible.

5. Having Professionalism

People who work in drug rehabs programs because they want to makes a difference. It is hard to stay strong when dealing with someone else's life, especially if they cannot overcome their habit on their own yet. 

Holding people accountable for what they do is an important part of being able to help someone change their lifestyle. 

However, you need to be sensitive to a person's situation and the difficulties they might be going through. Sometimes, people need to take responsibility for their own mistakes before you can help them move forward.

6. Having Empathy

Empathy is being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes. You have to understand that everyone that comes into your facility has their own set of problems that led them there, whether it was by choice or not. Dealing with addicts is difficult because not only are they battling addiction directly but also many other factors around them as well.

Whether it's financial struggles, broken homes, or abuse. All of these factors make rehab programs harder for addicts to overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. This is because the people who go through these facilities have already had bad experiences that have caused them a lot of pain.

If you think about it, they can't trust anyone except themselves because they don't know who to trust. That's why empathy is so important in these programs because if the counselors can feel what the addicts are going through then they will be able to help them from their perspective instead of thinking of them as an outsider looking in.

Free Man in a Psychotherapy Session with a Psychologist Stock Photo
Source: Pexels

7. Accepting Others Exactly How They Are

As someone who needs to understand addicts better, you must also understand that they might not be equipped to deal with everything you tell them to do. Your job will be to guide them through their recovery instead of expecting them to act how you think they should act. You must learn what they are dealing with and expect that it will take time for them to get better.

8. Knowing How To Talk About Serious Topics

It's important for counselors to know when it's the right time to introduce certain information into a conversation because if not then the addict can grow uncomfortable and defensive about what is being said. The counselor needs a good sense of timing so that everyone feels safe enough to share their feelings without interruption or judgment from anyone else in the group.

9. Making Sure They Are Okay

An addiction treatment center counselor needs to be able to make sure that their patients are okay throughout the day. This includes asking them if they are doing alright, checking in with them before breaks, and watching for signs of fatigue or other problems.

Sometimes, even if the patient says they are "okay," they may still be having a bad day and their emotions could easily boil up if they were not watched over.

addiction counselor
Source: Pexels

Conclusion

When dealing with a drug addict or anyone who is struggling with addiction, it can be very easy to lose patience and become overwhelmed with frustration. The best way to deal with the issue is to take a step back. Realize that although some days may seem like they will never end.

Addicts are exceedingly difficult individuals. If you just keep showing up and doing your job as a drug rehab counselor, it will all be worth it in the end when your patients make it through withdrawal.

If you need help or you know someone who needs help in their addiction, please call for help from us. We at Another Chance Rehab have the best professionals and facilities where we can take care of patients properly. Schedule an appointment today.