What to Expect in addiction counseling?

[Subdivisions]

Ugh...my stomach is turning...haven't had a pill in what seems like an eternity...i feel like getting up and walking on the walls I'm so anxious...and I know I'm not gonna get any sleep tonight. anyway...

I start counseling tomorrow, for addiction and other personal issues.

What can I expect?

I have this stupid worry that they're going to tell me I can't do music anymore (cuz of the environment and whatnot). I know that's not true seeing as that's not even my trigger and many musicians recover successfully...but my mind has been acting weird the past two days like never before =(

Any pointers to give me for when I go in tomorrow to spill the beans and kill this demon?

 

[Sweet P]

I'm currently in therapy for polysubstance dependence and other personal issues (which often go hand in hand). At first it can be quite intimidating, but once you build up a relationship with your counsellor/therapist, you may find it really helpful. Just remember to be completely open and honest with them. And don't worry, I doubt they'd tell you to stop doing music. If anything, they might encourage you to continue it! I know my therapist is constantly telling me to find hobbies and interests to take my mind off drugs.

 

[Subdivisions]

thanks Sweet. Yea, since I am sure the whole "Acceptance" theme will be prevalent tomorrow lol, I should accept that I am a bit intimidated.

I just picture some right-wing nazi that's going to be like "no clubs/concerts ever!" " go to church" etc etc.

I am truly concerned though, my family life has a lot to do with it- I know I am going to have to move quite soon to really get this underway :/

 

[Sweet P]

^ Just remember that if you get a horrible therapist, or one who you don't "click" with, you can always find/request another. Sometimes it takes time to find the right one. I've seen a number of therapists over the years, and some were definitely better than others!

 

[blazelate]

Im about to go through the same and i wanna know too..

 

[MidnightBaby]

I don't think you can really know what exactly to expect from counseling - because it depends on you, your own issues, your counselor and their style, what kind of therapy you're actually getting. So many things make it a whole different experience.

But, something I can say from counseling is - it doesn't help if you don't put in hard work to change yourself. There is no miracle cure for drug addiction or any other issues you'll go to therapy for. It takes alot of hard mental slog and considering then changing how you live and what you do. Just talking to somebody will not magically make this happen. You need to open up, think, talk, listen and then do.
I don't mean to make it sound like this huge impossible task, because it's not, it's really totally do-able, you just have to consistently work at it yourself.
Good luck subdivisions, let us know how it goes