A counselor provides therapy to addicts enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers. Their function is to find the root cause of the addiction and help the addict move on to a sober life. The counselor develops a therapy and recovery plan for each individual enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers. They have to educate the addict about their addiction and what it is doing to them and how to move to a life without abuse. All this has to be achieved through counseling.

Why is counseling important for addicts
Addiction is more than just a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even post the detoxification process, there are high chances of addicts relapsing. Factors which contribute to relapse include social media, environmental cues (for example, visiting a drug-frequented neighborhood), or even stress. Hence, counseling is important for the addict to not relapse.

Types of therapy
Not all individuals enrolled in drugs and alcohol rehab centers would respond to the same type of treatment; hence, several types of therapy need to be formulated as per the need of the individual. Some popular therapy types include motivational interviewing, contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and so on.

• Motivational interviewing: This type of therapy tries to prepare an individual to change his behavior and accept treatment for the addictions. The patient has to accept his behavior and make changes where required. The user has to realize that change has to come from them if they wish to start living a sober life.
• Contingency management: This type of therapy is positive reinforcement counseling. It encourages the patient to abstain from drug use. The patient is rewarded for progress. This form of therapy is very successful and highly effective in drug abuse cases.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: One of the most common types of therapies, it helps patients understand the situations that can lead them to use drugs. It also teaches them coping skills. He/she recognizes negative thoughts, triggers, emotions, and devices. This skill, once learned, remains with the patient for a long time.
• Family therapy:  This type of therapy is multidimensional as it addresses the influence that a family has on the patient. They work with each family member alone and then as a unit. This treatment is sought for young patients.

A drug abuse counselor requires qualities like compassion, patience, understanding, and sensitivity. Counselors put a great deal of time, energy, and hope in understanding and helping their patients.