Drug Counseling?

[BoHa]

Hey everybody, I'm new (obviously) but I've been reading bluelight for a while. I'm 19 and living at home during the summer before I return to college.

Anyways, I'm being forced to go to drug counseling by my grandparents as a result of me smoking about a gram of weed a day. I really don't think that requires counseling, but whatever.

So, for those of you who have been through drug counseling, what is it like? I'm concerned I'm going to be in a room full of ex-meth and crack addicts and it'll just seem like I'm wasting everyone's time. Is that accurate at all or am I just being paranoid? Thanks.

 

[kokaino]

This will probably get you better responses in "The Dark Side".

----->TDS

 

[Wolfmans_BrothEr]

No matter who you are, even if you aren't a drug addict, I think anyone can benefit from some counseling. Either it'll be a group thing or a one on one, but honestly I think youll relate with some of these people more than you think.

Just follow the rules. They can fuck things up for you so much if you decide to just fuck around. I didnt take it seriously and ended up in inpatient once for a month and again for a year

 

[Jabberwocky]

Drug counseling like other sorts of counseling is made up of many different practitioners utilizing different methods differently. DC is focused on drugs, you will be an identified patient, and they will likely perceive your drug use as a problem.

A central conflict in place now is do you admit you think it is no problem or do you play along that it is a problem.

Are you going in for an assessment or has it already been determined you are a substance abuser? Have you met anyone yet who has explained to you the goals, methods, rights, and responsibilities yet?

 

[Sweet P]

Drug counselling is pointless if you're not ready or willing to quit. I had to attend one-on-one drug counselling for 9 months while on probation and it wasn't particularly helpful, although the counsellor was quite a cool guy.

 

[Cane2theLeft]

^ if the only definition of success is total abstinence then you're right but people can still gain a lot from the process regardless.

In the US, most places rely heavily on group work. Just be open and honest and try to learn from the people around you. You don't have to be a junkie in the gutter to take something from the process. Just try to explore your own issues and figure out how you can grow and benefit from the experience. Stay positive and you'll have a positive experience regardless of if you're just a pothead amongst junkies and regardless of if you quit forever.

I've finished all the classes requisite for a drug counseling certification in Illinois (just waiting on an internship so I can complete the process) so while there'll likely be some geographic variation, I know a good amount about the process and the field in general so feel free to PM me if you'd like to discuss this further

 

[DroneLore]

I'm currently enrolled in an educational program. It hasn't really taught me anything new, but then again I suspect I was particularly cerebral drug user (like many BLers, I'd imagine). I don't know how right it would be to generalize experiences. If you're being forced to do it, just keep your head down, do what your told and say what you think people want to hear. That should make it as painless as possible.

 

[chitown rollin]

As others have said, you can get a LOT out of drug counselling. If you are not willing to quit, you will still see people in there for much worse drugs than you (Coke, heroin, amphetamines, etc.) and it will surely make you never want to try anything harder, ever. If I went to counseling a long time ago I would be in a better place that I am today. Good luck.