Drug Treatment Options and Lessons from a New Roads Life Coach – Part 1
Peter Busch is one of the trained and experienced Life Coaches at New Roads Treatment Center. Coaching is a very important part of rehabilitation for young adults who are struggling with addictions. Peter is a certified substance abuse counselor and is working toward getting his License. A huge part of Life Coaching is to provide clients with non-judgmental help in reviewing their life goals, managing their time, and overcoming more of life’s challenges. Here is part 1 of an interview with Peter about drug treatment options and lessons that can be learned from a New Roads Life Coach.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
PB: The part of the job I find most enjoyable and rewarding is the relationships that are built with the clients. The connection I make with some of my clients does not end once they complete the program; it stays there well after, and in many cases I am able to stay in touch and in their lives.
What kind of challenges do you see in working specifically with young adults?
PB: There are a few reoccurring challenges that seem to come up. Obviously they are all dealing with addiction and trying to figure out who they are without their drug of choice. Normally their drug use has been their primary concern for their entire adult life. So the first challenge is helping them figure out kind of who they are and who they want to be. The other challenges are sort of the nuts and bolts of life. Many clients come with an unhealthy level of entitlement; so learning how to be independent, and not relying on their parents for their livelihood is difficult. Many clients struggle to understand the level of motivation and fortitude necessary to get an interview, get a job, get in school, or get started with a productive and healthy life.
What advice can you give to parents who have a young adult that is struggling with addiction?
PB: The first thing I would tell them is that there is help and that they are not alone in this. It is important that the entire family is onboard when trying to help an addicted loved one. Usually the parents are just trying to help but end up enabling the drug use. It is important to hold strong boundaries and do what is necessary to help the young adult see there is a serious problem.
It’s clear that Peter has great experience in helping young adults overcome their addictions, but the involvement of concerned loved ones is important as well. Learn more about drug treatment options for addicts by visiting www.newroadstreatment.com and stay tuned for Part 2 of Peter’s interview.