Factors That Can Be Addressed As An Addiction Counselor

When assessing individuals for co-occurring disorders there are two cross-cutting issues that must be addressed as an addiction counselor. The first most important cross-cutting issue to identify is suicidality. It is considered more a behavior that is high risk, than a mental health disorder. Suicidality has shown through research that those who commit suicide have substance abuse or co-occurring disorders which can be diagnosed early. Most common among clients is serious depression (U.S. Public Health Service 1999), brought on by substance abuse or aggravated by suicidal ideations or intentions of suicide, (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2005, Chapter8 p. 214). This is why it’s important that counselors screen clients, especially those with co-occurring disorders which can double the possibility of suicide. Counselors must have a good understanding of their agency’s protocol for those identified as suicidal. The agency should have a process for identifying, con firming, and some type of established referral, or treatment process for clients who may be suicidal. Counselors need to be knowledgeable of the following facts. A major factor risk in suicide, is alcohol abuse or drug abuse which would include people with co-occurring disorders and the general public. Suicide is identifiable with 25 to 50 percent of the population in alcohol abuse, and that 5 to 27 percent include suicidal deaths which are also related to alcohol abuse. There is also a lifetime suicide riskShow MoreRelatedAddiction And Addiction Recovery Program Essay1331 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction This book report will discuss addiction and the effects of alcohol on the brain according to Dr. Harold Urschel’s Science Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program as described in his book, â€Å"Healing the Addicted Brain†. 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