Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse or addiction. Research suggests that as many as 1 in 12 adults in the US live with a substance use disorder (SUD). Without treatment, drug and alcohol abuse usually gets worse–and the consequences can become more severe.
Fortunately, comprehensive addiction treatment can help people regain control over their substance abuse and embrace a healthier, sober lifestyle. Addiction is a complex condition, and most treatment programs use a combination of evidence-based treatments to stabilize people and give them the tools and support to put substance use in the past.
One of the most important aspects of holistic substance abuse treatment is therapy. Psychotherapy–also called “talk therapy”–and behavioral therapies can help people identify the roots of their substance use and develop skills to avoid relapse.
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. People with an SUD require tailored, specialized therapies that meet their needs. This article will outline five therapies used in addiction treatment and tell you where to find the treatment you need to start recovery.
Reach out to the team at The Living Room now to learn about our holistic treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
Therapy in Addiction Treatment: The Basics
Addiction is a complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. The effects of addiction can be devastating to a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and more.
Many factors can contribute to substance abuse and addiction. Meaningful addiction recovery is more likely to happen when people can identify and understand the underlying roots of their substance abuse and take practical steps to make lasting behavioral changes.
There are several goals when using therapy in addiction treatment. They include:
- Increasing a person’s hope for the future
- Helping people process complex emotions
- Identifying and changing destructive behaviors
- Looking for patterns, relationships, and behaviors that contradict sobriety
- Learning new coping skills to manage stress and challenges
- Reduce or stop substance use
- Improve self-esteem and self-worth
- Boost communication skills
- Improve relationships
- Increase functioning at work, home, school, and other areas of life
Therapy in addiction treatment often happens in both one-on-one and group settings. People may also participate in family therapy during and after a treatment program.
5 Therapies Used in Addiction Treatment
Several evidence-based therapies are used in addiction treatment and aftercare programs. Here is a brief overview of five of the most commonly used therapies.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Many addiction and mental health specialists consider cognitive behavioral therapy to be the most practical and effective form of therapy for use in addiction treatment. During CBT sessions, individuals meet with a licensed counselor to identify and change destructive thoughts and behaviors related to substance use.
Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce substance use and improve other aspects of a person’s life. It can be used during treatment, as part of an aftercare plan, and even after a relapse.
2. Relationship counseling
Addiction doesn’t only affect the person living with it. Spouses, partners, and other loved ones often feel the effects of addiction in many aspects of their lives. Relationship counseling involves an addicted person and their partner working with a therapist to reduce substance use, identify and stop enabling behaviors, and improve communication. People may participate in relationship and family counseling during an addiction treatment program or as part of their aftercare plan.
3. Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
The goals of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) are:
- To increase a person’s motivation to make beneficial changes
- To identify personal values
- To help people align their behaviors with their values and goals
MET allows people to identify what aspects of their lives would have to change in order for them to live in alignment with their goals and gives them the tools to make these changes. Throughout the process, the therapist works with individuals to maintain and build their motivation in recovery.
4. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and teaches people how to use mindfulness to identify and change destructive behaviors. People learn how to let emotions come and go without reacting in harmful ways, including using drugs or alcohol.
5. Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) helps people to recognize and challenge irrational beliefs that can contribute to their substance abuse and addiction. This therapeutic approach encourages healthier emotional responses and rational thinking that can help people prevent relapse, improve functioning, and have better outcomes in recovery.
Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room to learn more about these therapies and how they’re integrated into our holistic addiction treatment programs.
Find Treatment Now
Contact the team at The Living Room now to learn how our holistic addiction treatment programs can support you during recovery or to set up an intake evaluation. Don’t wait for the treatment you need and deserve. Reach out today to take the first step toward your healthier future.