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Tag: addictions

  • Addictions: Everyone and Everything

    Addictions: Everyone and Everything

    News and stories on addiction seem to be everywhere, on T.V, in the paper/magazines and in books- even you may have an addiction to something. Overall, addictive behaviour in humans is common, no matter what the medium. Now, an addiction can be bad or really bad, since having too much of one thing is never healthy. Most people do not even realize they have and addiction to something because they may not want to realize they are addicted to something. It is sometimes difficult for someone to admit they are addicted to something. This takes time and support from others in order for the person to realize how bad their addiction really is.

    When we hear about someone being addicted to something, 9 times out of 10 we assume the addiction is to drugs; cocaine, prescription drugs, heroin, etc. However, the addiction does not always need to be a drug in that instance. You can be addicted to anything; video games, TV, candy, even people. A person can become addicted to caffeine or painkillers that you buy over the counter just as easily, and can be hidden from others, also. So when you watch My Strange Addiction, the people on that show really do not have an abnormal addiction; they are just like the rest of us. Although eating chalk is not necessarily like a shopping addict, we all have something that we cannot stop doing. We just generally call people addicts when they are addicted to something that could seriously harm them or ruin their health for the long run, or possibly kill them.

    Drugs like PCP (Phencyclidine), Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine (Meth), are generally what a person will think of when you picture a drug addict; these are some of the most chemically addictive drugs in the world. You don’t tend to picture someone drinking coffee or playing video games all day and all night. Some serious general effects of addiction to drugs can be brain damage, liver damage, and damage to your nervous system, heart problems, depression, memory loss, anxiety/paranoia, and many more. A most prominent and terrifying side effect can be death- scary, no? If you know someone suffering from a drug addiction or otherwise, encourage them to get help. It is our job as friends, family and neighbours, to stand beside those in need. However, you can only do so much to help people, sometimes. Just let them know you love them, and check up on them regularly. If you feel like you are having trouble with an addiction, it is never too late to stop.

     

    Reference:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/addiction

     

  • Career Profile: Addictions Counselor

    Career Profile: Addictions Counselor

    Addictions counselors are specialists trained to help counsel or talk through people’s problems with addiction. This includes drug and alcohol addiction, substance abuse problems, gambling addiction and more. Each case that an addictions counselor receives will be different. Your job is basically to help support people with problems and try to help them learn to understand and cope with their addictions, as well as finding out and addressing the root cause of the addictive behaviour and developing a plan to help the client to overcome it.

    Addictions counselors may be hired to work in a number of different facilities, but the job remains to help people deal with their addiction problems. Some places where addictions counselors are commonly hired include: hospitals (especially in mental health wards), drug/alcohol and gambling rehabilitation centres (both private and public), as well as harm reduction centres and homeless shelters, such as those operated by the Salvation Army.

    It is not easy to become qualified as an addictions counselor, but you’ll find that the job is rewarding and well worth the work if it is something that you are truly passionate about. Most counselor positions will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in the fields of either human resources, social sciences or psychology. You will also most likely be required to get a certificate in counseling as well. This can be obtained at most colleges after a one year course on counseling.

    Dedication is perhaps the most important quality for an addictions counselor to possess. Many of the cases will be difficult and the hours are often odd and long, but the reward comes in the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping out fellow people with their problems. This job will require you to have very good problem solving skills, patience, excellent communication skills and, above all, a strong sense of empathy.

    When you’re in college and university, it’s best to focus on courses that will help you towards achieving your eventual goal of an addictions counseling job. Some classes that will help you on your way include: anything to do with sociology or psychology, law, education, administration, anthropology, and philosophy and ethics. Many centres vary in the qualities they are looking for in their counseling staff, so you may find that you’re more comfortable working in a shelter or rehab centre than in a more formal hospital setting.

    Much like the employment requirements, the rate of pay for counselors can vary widely from centre to centre, so do a bit of research to find out which sort of place you’d like to work and check out the centres in your area to get an idea of what sort of salary to expect. Seniority is often based on which counselor is the most experienced, so counselors that have been doing the job for years will often be paid more than staff who have just been hired.

    Addiction counseling is a tough field to get into and the work is not easy. Expect long hours and irregular shifts when you start out. You’ll need to be able to converse with and help people of all walks of life, so good people skills are a must. A thick skin is also required; Much like paramedics, addictions counselors may have to face moral dilemmas and hear tragic stories. However, if you do pursue addictions counseling, it is one of the fastest growing career fields out there. It will leave you with a sense of satisfaction from having helped people.