Finding a Great Addiction Counselor On The Path to Recovery As An LGBTQ+ Person

Hi there! Congratulations! You’ve made one of the best decisions: asking for help. Whether you’ve decided to get help to control or moderate your use of alcohol, or drugs, or whether you’ve decided you want to be entirely abstinent, or whether you just want to explore the role that addiction might play in connection to an underlying depression, anxiety, stress, stigma,  or self-esteem issue, you are being proactive in trying to find someone who can help you. Acknowledging that you need help as an LGBTQ+ person is never easy, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Finding the right addiction counselor is just as important as making the decision to get help. A good addiction counselor will help an LGBTQ+ person in addiction both recognize and overcome the factors that led to the addiction in the first place, resulting in a successful path to recovery. It’s important to choose an addiction counselor you’re comfortable with and who has the right experience to help you on your journey.

Finding an Addiction Counselor for an LGBTQ+ Person: Questions to Ask

When finding an addiction counselor, there are several things you should keep in mind. The most important aspect of an addiction journey is being comfortable with the counselor working with you. After all, your counselor is meant to be the person helping and guiding you through the recovery process. With that being said, if you are uncomfortable being open and honest with your counselor, treatment will not be effective. Here are some specific questions you should ask when looking for an addiction counselor.

Am I Comfortable Confiding in The Person?

The individual-to-counselor relationship is very important and must be built on trust. These relationships can become extremely personal, as the LGBTQ+ person must open up to the counselor and discuss sensitive topics. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals looking for an addiction counselor should find one they feel comfortable with.

Some LGBTQ+ people find it easier to feel comfortable with a counselor who shares the same gender, religious views, and even basic morals. Oftentimes, sexual orientation-matching is a common practice among LGBTQ+ people seeking treatment for addiction. This is because it typically optimizes the individual’s comfort level. Also, LGBTQ people who are paired with a counselor who shares the same core beliefs experience a more individualized and effective approach to treatment.

Which Therapeutic Approaches Does This Addiction Counselor Use?

Each counselor and addiction treatment facility utilizes different methods of evidence-based addiction therapy. Some addiction counselors may use the 12-step method, while others may use recreational and holistic therapies. Whereas the most popular form of addiction therapy is referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Also, many counselors offer family programs for recovering LGBTQ+ addicts and alcoholics who have suffered from familial stressors.

When deciding on a specific addiction counselor, you must consider which type of therapy you wish to participate in. Finding a counselor who fits your needs is the best way to ensure an effective and transformative recovery. If you are unsure of which type of therapy you’d like, you can always consult with the counselor to come to a decision together.

Is the Counselor a Reputable and Certified Addiction Counselor?

Finding an addiction counselor with a high level of education may be important to you, while others might only pay attention to experience and peer reviews. Whatever your preference may be, make sure that you do not sacrifice comfort for credentials. In other words, because an individual is certified, does not mean there is a possibility that they are the right fit for you. Always make sure you feel respected and listened to, as well as being comfortable enough to trust the addiction counselor.

How to Find the Right Counselor Who Specializes in Addiction for LGBTQ+ People 

Finding a counselor who specializes in addiction, has the right experience, and uses an approach that aligns with your needs and preferences is key to making the most of LGBTQ+ addiction treatment. Here are four methods that you can use to find the best-fit therapist:

Match with a Counselor at Inspire Recovery 

At Inspire Recovery, we make counseling convenient and accessible by helping our clients connect with counselors at our treatment center. By asking just a few simple questions about yourself, we at Inspire Recovery can connect you with a counselor who specializes in addiction and is suited to your needs and personal preferences.

Seek Recommendations and Referrals.

If you have any LGBTQ+ friends or family members who have undergone addiction treatment in the past, it could be worth considering reaching out to them. They may be able to tell you about their experience with specific counselors. While there’s no guarantee that your experience will be the same, their advice may still be incredibly valuable in your addiction recovery journey.

Search Online Directories

Online directories of counselors who specialize in alcohol or substance abuse addiction can sometimes be helpful resources for finding a counselor. These lists won’t be able to match you with a curated list of ideal counselors in the same way that Inspire Recovery can, but they can still be useful for learning more about the counselors who specialize in addiction in your area.

Get in Touch with Mental Health Associations

Mental health associations provide a lot of resources to people who are recovering from addiction, including helping them find the right counselor. Once again, these organizations aren’t the most effective way of finding a counselor, but they may be able to provide you with a lot of useful information about the counselors working in your area or other local resources.

Get Connected With An Addiction Counselor Today!

Fighting addiction is a long-term process; one could even say that it is a life-long process. It is not something that any LGBTQ+ person should try to face alone. If you or an LGBTQ+ loved one would like to get sober, begin a new way of life, and recover from substance or drug abuse, you have come to the right place. Inspire Recovery only employs the most experienced, compassionate, and qualified substance and drug abuse counselors around. Contact us today at 561-763-9016 to get connected with the perfect substance abuse counselor for you!