The Humanistic theory was first formulated by Carly Rogers who suggests that therapists and counselors need to help clients achieve the best outcomes during therapy and counseling. The theorist suggests that it is the nature of humans to be in control of issues and matters affecting their lives (Lewis, 2013). According to Rogers, one of the ways of achieving this goal is by adopting a client-centered approach to therapy. The theorist argues that counselors play a vital role in assisting clients coping with substance abuse and addiction. The Humanistic theory stipulates that an individual decides to take up the mantle upon themselves to make a change in their lives or solve issues in society.
Moreover, Rogers urges counselors to adhere to multicultural considerations to ensure that they provide aid to the client in line with their cultural values, norms, and traditions. Furthermore, in a community where drug abuse and addiction are rampant, he recommends that a counselor considers the aspects of the community’s culture that could be encouraging this issue and discourage their clients from emulating such cultures (White, 2012). According to the Humanistic theory, counseling sessions also help individuals develop their social interaction skills since they can interact with the counselor in the process. Counseling provides a safe space where individuals can talk through their problems and with the help of a counselor make changes in their behavior and lifestyle to improve their lives and relationships.
The Psychodynamic theory was first developed by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese neurologist. Freud believed that one’s behavior or actions are determined by life experiences. Therefore, he insinuates that drug abuse is not accidental, they are influenced by past experiences of an individual (Lewis, 2013). One of the solutions that Freud provides is the use of counseling. He recommends the application of counseling theories in developing a better understanding of the nature of humans, why people abuse drugs and substances, and how addiction occurs (Lewis, 2013). Moreover, Freud suggests that clients play a crucial role in the management of drug abuse. They are the ones to adhere to all the interventions provided by counselors and therapists.
Other than counseling, one of the most effective interventions for substance abuse and addiction is therapy. According to Freud’s Psychodynamic theory, therapeutic interventions can be used together with counseling or as an alternative to it. A good example of such prevention is empirically supported treatment (Lewis, 2013). This is the treatment that has been proven to be effective for helping the youth prevent and manage drug abuse. Empirical data on the use of therapeutic interventions with drug addicts indicate that such interventions are effective in the management and prevention of addiction to drugs and substances.
One of the similarities between the two theories is that they encourage both clients and counselors to be responsible for substance abuse and addiction treatment. However, Freud’s Psychodynamic theory emphasizes the need for counseling while Roger’s Humanistic theory encourages individuals to seek therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the two theorists differ in the roles that clients should perform in solving the problem. Freud suggests that individuals should work with counselors to prevent and manage substance abuse and addiction. Rogers argues that clients should take individual responsibility in managing addiction.
In my view, drug and substance abuse can be prevented and managed through a combination of both counseling and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, clients and counselors need to work together to ensure that the issue is solved. I believe Sigmund Freud’s Psychodynamic theory and Carl Roger’s Humanistic theory help develop a better understanding of drug and substance abuse addiction.
References
Lewis, T. F. (2013). Substance abuse and addiction treatment: Practical application of counseling theory. Boston, MA: Pearson College Division.
White, T. (2012). Working with drug and alcohol users: A guide to providing understanding, assessment, and support. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.