How Therapy Is Essential in Treating Drug Addiction

When most people think of treatment for addiction, detox is one of the first things to come to mind. Yet, detoxing is only one part of successful treatment. Treatment doesn’t end once someone reaches sobriety. Instead, treatment is often long-term as an addict battles against cravings and relapse.

Addiction is more than just physical drug dependence. There are also social and psychological factors, such as stress and peer pressure, that have to be addressed to ensure an addict gets sober and stays sober.

How Is Drug Addiction Treated?

Since there are many different treatment approaches for drug addiction, a tailored plan is needed to ensure that an addict is treated holistically. This includes a focus on mental, emotional, and psychological factors. A customized treatment approach will focus on an individual’s personal situation and environment to best treat drug or substance abuse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Many people who struggle with substance abuse have negative and destructive thinking. These thought patterns are extremely harmful and often impact one’s mental and emotional stability. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to understand why someone exhibits self-destructive actions and beliefs, and it enforces alternate thinking. The therapy can eliminate cognitive distortions such as:

• Mental filters
• Overgeneralization
• All-or-nothing thinking
• Jumping to conclusions
• Ignoring the positive

CBT also focuses on the interconnection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Treatment teaches an individual that if they have thoughts that they don’t like, they can be changed by modifying behaviors and feelings. CBT is beneficial long after an addict has successfully reached sobriety, as it teaches coping strategies, proper ways to handle stress, and other post-addiction difficulties.

Family Behavior Therapy

Family behavior therapy (FBT) is used to address co-occurring problems that may have contributed to an individual’s drug addiction. While individual therapy has proven to be useful, FBT has been found to be more effective than supportive counseling alone.

The therapy focuses on underlying issues, such as depression, family conflict, child mistreatment, and unemployment. FBT often involves the patient as well as a parent or significant other. Together, attendees are taught ways to prevent substance abuse as well as methods for improving the home environment. By focusing on goal setting, participants are able to actively work toward a safer and healthier environment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT, but this form of therapy has a heavy focus on changing problematic behaviors. The therapy adds acceptance, validation, and dialectics into the equation. Dialectics is the idea that change is constant, everything is connected, and that opposing forces can be combined to create balance.

The therapy operates on the idea that invalidating environments and emotional vulnerability can drive substance abuse. Through the use of DBT, individuals are able to regain control of their life, become more emotionally engaged, tackle ordinary life problems, and learn to feel complete and connected.

Rational Existential Therapy (RET)

One of the biggest principles of effective treatment is regaining one’s self-identity. Addicts often lose their sense of self. As they fall victim to the stronghold of addiction, it’s hard to know who you are and to understand your purpose. Rational existential therapy (RET) focuses on self-determination, free will, and a search for meaning. The therapy focuses solely on the patient versus symptoms.

RET emphasizes the idea that everyone has the ability to make rational decisions in order to reach their maximum potential. The therapy also stresses that anxiety is part of being human, constant re-evaluation of self is part of life, and that everyone has a unique identity.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was originally used to treat PTSD. However, this therapy has been found to be effective and is one of the newest treatment approaches for drug addiction. EMDR involves eight phases that identify and address experiences that have impacted the brain’s resilience and ability to cope. These experiences can cause harmful coping strategies such as drug and alcohol abuse. With EMDR therapy, individuals are able to reprocess traumatic experiences in a way that they are no longer disruptive psychologically.

Effective Therapy for Drug Addiction

At RECO Intensive, we embrace the principles of effective treatment to ensure that you’re able to reach sobriety and maintain it for the rest of your life. Through a variety of therapeutic approaches, we will help you regain control of your life and find the best version of you.

Don’t wait another day! Contact us today at 844.955.3042 to discuss therapy treatment options.

Sources

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-5