Understanding the Different Types of Addiction Therapy

Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex issue where individuals find it hard to stop using addictive substances. They continue to use drugs even when they understand the harm involved. This addiction can be harmful not only to the person’s mental and physical health but also can strain relationships and negatively affect the lives of those close to them.

Recovering from addiction is a challenging journey, often requiring specialized treatment. This article explores various addiction therapy types and their benefits, offering you a clearer understanding of what these treatments involve.

What is Addiction?

Drug and alcohol addiction, as mentioned above, is a chronic condition whereby substances are used uncontrollably and compulsively. They tend to have negative consequences for those involved, yet despite this, they can find it extremely difficult to stop partaking in the abuse.

Addiction tends to involve a strong compulsion to engage in the behavior, the inability to stop, and the body building up a tolerance to the substance over time. This tolerance means they might need higher doses to achieve the same effect as before. If they do stop, withdrawal symptoms may occur, and these can be quite nasty.

2021 saw over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the US, a 51% increase since prior to the pandemic. These vast numbers show the need for intervention sooner rather than later.

What is Addiction Therapy?

Addiction therapy is the term given to the treatment of substance or alcohol abuse. It encompasses different approaches designed to help the individual on their road to recovery. 

Therapy is a highly effective way of helping people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. It can also be a fantastic way to open them up to more intensive treatment should they need it. While there isn’t a failsafe cure for addiction, therapy can help to engage individuals:

• Provide incentives for them to remain sober
• Modify the way they view substance abuse
• Teach them how to cope with triggers in other ways

What Are Some Types of Addiction Therapy?

There are a few types of addiction therapies during rehab, and a combination of a few or just one might be offered to see what works. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): 

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that aims to help individuals recognize what their triggers might be that cause them to abuse substances. It enables them to recognize these triggers and change the negative behaviors it causes. 

Cognitive restructuring is designed to identify and replace negative thoughts with more balanced ones, helping people change how they emotionally react. It teaches skills to manage stressful or negative situations with things such as problem-solving strategies, communication skills, and relaxation techniques. 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is another form of addiction therapy that is designed to help individuals recognize how their behaviors conflict with their views and values and help them bridge this gap.

Instead of confronting resistance, they acknowledge and respect the individual’s decisions and encourage them to have the confidence to make positive changes in their life. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another effective approach to treating addiction. DBT focuses on helping individuals develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. This therapy is particularly beneficial for those who experience intense emotions and struggle with relationships, which can often contribute to addictive behaviors.

DBT works on the principle of balancing acceptance and change. It teaches individuals to accept themselves and their situations while simultaneously working on changing harmful behaviors. This balance is important in helping individuals understand their addiction and take proactive steps toward recovery.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is highly effective because those closest to the individual often have the most significant impact. Addiction affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their loved ones. Involving the entire family in the recovery process can enhance communication, offer additional support, and help the individual understand the effects of their addiction on their loved ones. This inclusive approach fosters a supportive environment for the addicted and their loved ones.

Group Therapy

Similar to a private therapy setting but for a group, this can be an effective way for individuals to recognize similar behaviors in others and recognize they’re going through it too. It can also help build a sense of community and camaraderie, which can improve their mental health and stop them feeling lonely. 

Holistic Therapy

These focus on general well-being and tend to be used alongside more focused approaches such as those listed above. Holistic methods include yoga, acupuncture, art therapy, and reiki. These not only provide a welcome distraction but also a different outlet for the individual to focus on instead of taking and abusing substances. These mindful activities can also help to retrain the way they think. 

What’s The Best Therapy for Substance Abuse?

Recovery from substance abuse isn’t a simple, one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it can require a few different programs and techniques until the individual finds something that works. It’s important to persevere and not give up even when times get tough. By trying a few different approaches to addiction, it can help you to find the best one.

By working with a professional, you can get to the deep root of the addiction and work to overcome it. Medical and health professionals will be on hand to offer support, manage withdrawal symptoms, assist with treating underlying mental health disorders, and teach strategies to prevent a relapse from happening in the future. 

Addiction can have a devastating impact not only on the individual’s own physical and mental health but also on their loved ones. Getting the necessary help and support sooner rather than later can help nip the problem in the bud before it worsens. 

Getting Started On Your Journey to Recovery

Ending addiction is a tough journey that needs both personal effort and the right kind of help. There are many ways to treat addiction, and finding the best one depends on the person. It’s important to remember that everyone’s path to recovery is different.

If you or someone you know is facing addiction, getting professional help is key. The Massachusetts Center for Addiction is ready to help. They have a team ready to support you with various addiction treatment programs.
Don’t let addiction take over. You can start a new chapter in your life. Call the Massachusetts Center for Addiction at 844-486-0671 to get help and begin your journey to recovery. This call could be the first step to a better future.