Therapy is a huge part of recovery from substance abuse. There are many different types available, and it’s important to find the one that suits you best. This article will explore some common forms of therapy used for addiction treatment, as well as what they entail.
1. Case Management
How it works: Case management can help people who are addicted to substances by coordinating all aspects of their care. It ensures that the client is getting everything they need related to substance abuse treatment, including physical needs (medical treatment) and psychological needs (counseling). Addiction case managers may also serve as a link between the client and the addiction counselor. They help people obtain services such as housing and employment assistance.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usually the most effective substance abuse therapy. CBT is based on the fact that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all linked and work together in a system. So, when we change one part of the system, it affects everything else. When we change our ways of thinking and reacting to situations and feelings, we can change the way we behave. CBT aims to help people feel better and function better by changing their thoughts and behaviors related to substances. It’s very difficult to simply stop using a substance without addressing how you think about it, what your expectations are, or why you started in the first place.
3. Contingency management
How it works: Contingency management provides positive reinforcement for reducing or stopping drug use. People who are in treatment receive vouchers or small cash rewards for staying clean and meeting other goals during treatment, such as passing their urine tests the first time around without having to retake them. Often contingency management is an adjunct to counseling so people can learn new skills and behaviors that can help them avoid using drugs in the future.
4. Family Therapy
Family therapy is based on the belief that our upbringing and experiences with parents, siblings, and other family members affect how we behave as adults. People who abuse substances often grew up in families where drug use was accepted or ignored by their parents. In family therapy, family members discuss how their feelings and behaviors impact one another. The therapist works with the family to suggest new, healthier ways of communicating and reacting to difficult situations.
5. Mutual-Help Programs and Self-help Groups
The 12-step method of recovery has helped countless people recover from substance abuse problems. These programs are free of charge, and they are very accessible because meetings are open to anyone who is interested in attending. Most include a combination of social support, education about addiction, and opportunities for practicing new coping skills.
Learn more: Preventive Measures for Substance Abuse
6. Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF)
Twelve-step facilitation therapy is a strategy designed to foster a person’s involvement in 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. TSF therapists don’t tell people they have to go to twelve-step meetings or use the twelve steps in their treatment, but they encourage people to talk about the importance of a support system and a higher power. They also discuss the role that spirituality plays in recovery from addiction.
7. MAT- Medication-Assisted Treatment
This treatment uses medicine, usually methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone), to help people stay clean. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms like nausea, cold sweats, and shaking chills that people experience when they try to reduce their use of opioids without medication. Applicants for MAT must be heroin or opioid-dependent. They also must be able to participate in counseling.
Substance abuse is a serious problem in the United States. If you are struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are many types of therapy that can be used for this issue and finding the right one will depend on your personal circumstances, preferences, or even location. It might seem like an overwhelming task at first, but there is hope!
