Navigating Openness with a Therapist Regarding Illicit Drug Use

When considering whether to disclose your use of illicit drugs to your therapist, it's important to understand the dynamic between patient and therapist and the various factors that influence this decision. This exploration aims to address the concerns and questions surrounding this crucial but often delicate conversation.

Common Scenarios in Therapy

Many individuals seeking therapy might wonder if their therapist would bring up illicit drug use during sessions. In my experience as both a treatment professional for substance use disorders and a mental health therapist, there are some common scenarios and beliefs about what typically occurs during therapy.

Assessments and Diagnoses

It's unlikely that a therapist would intentionally avoid the topic of drug use, as it significantly impacts the accuracy of an assessment and diagnosis. Mental health assessments typically include a comprehensive review of an individual's substance use history to understand their overall well-being and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Ignoring this information could lead to a misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment, which would be detrimental to the patient's recovery.

Legal Boundaries

Therapists, especially those with certifications like CASAC (Certified Addiction Counselor), are bound by licensing laws and ethical guidelines that prevent them from treating substance use disorders themselves if they are not qualified to do so. However, they can still provide support and guidance in addressing drug use as it relates to the individual's overall mental health and well-being.

Personalized Approach

In a practical sense, therapy is highly individualized. If a patient is seeking treatment primarily for anxiety and their drug use is not interfering with their goals, the therapist might choose to focus on those specific issues. However, if substance use is interfering with an individual's goals, such as academic performance, the therapist would likely bring up the topic and use their expertise to address it.

Barriers to Openness

Some individuals might hesitate to disclose their drug use due to fear of judgment or lack of acceptance from their therapist. It's essential to find a therapist who creates a safe space for open communication, where patients feel comfortable discussing any issues that are impacting their mental health and well-being. If you feel that your current therapist is creating a barrier to openness, you may want to consider finding a new therapist who prioritizes a person-centered approach.

Conclusion

It's crucial to remember that therapists are trained to provide a non-judgmental environment where patients can address any issue that is affecting their mental health, including illicit drug use. While many therapists might not specifically bring up drug use unless it is directly affecting the patient's goals, it is important to know that this information is essential for an accurate assessment and effective treatment plan.

Keywords

Therapy Substance Use Disorders Mental Health