Substance Abuse Counseling can be a Thanklless Job! Maybe I Have Empathy Burnout?

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I work in a detox and try so hard every day to encourage my clients to make healthier choices. I try to inspire them to see that there is hope-a light at the end of the tunnel. And, once in a while someone stays in treatment and gets clean and sober; their eyes sparkle again, there is color in their faces, they have jobs and apartments... But all too often, they leave detox after a few days. The pull of addiction is too powerful and the cravings are too strong for them. Sometimes they come back and try again, sometimes that last attempt was their last chance at sobriety and an overdose kills tham. I love my job, but I think I need a change of scenery for a while!