Getting therapy for addiction is part of a comprehensive rehab plan that helps break the cycle of drug or alcohol use. During a rehab program, you might participate in multiple therapy options, each with a different focus. The ultimate goal of addiction therapy is to help patients work through any underlying issues related to substance abuse and find ways to maintain a sober lifestyle.
Types of Addiction Therapy
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions involve just two people, the therapist and the patient. There are a few forms of individual therapy used to treat addiction.
[learn_more caption=”Cognitive Behavioral Therapy”] Teaches the patient to recognize destructive patterns of behavior and develop alternative behaviors to stop those patterns in the future. It includes learning how to cope with cravings and finding ways to avoid situations that could lead to a relapse, skills that help you maintain sobriety after the official treatment period ends.[/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Motivational Interviewing”] Addresses any underlying resistance to change and helps strengthen the patient’s commitment to making lasting behavioral changes.[/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Motivational Therapy”] Offers specific incentives for positive behaviors. During this type of therapy, the counselor might provide a specific treat or reward when the patient successfully completes a treatment goal, such as having three negative drug test results in a row.[/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Co-Occurring Disorders”] Therapy that deals with mental health issues that might complicate substance abuse recovery. During this type of therapy, the counselor might treat mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety.[/learn_more]
Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions bring together multiple people who are undergoing treatment for addiction and let them work out various issues under the guidance of a trained facilitator. During treatment, the therapist suggests topics for the group to talk about and asks questions to get members engaged in the discussion. Group therapy can help patients feel less alone in the treatment process, and peer support encourages group members to continue working toward full recovery.
Family Therapy
Because addiction often affects family relationships, rehab counselors sometimes recommend family therapy. This type of addiction therapy focuses on rebuilding relationships damaged by substance abuse and helps prepare the patient and family for life after rehab. Instead of discussing individual behaviors and actions, patients and family members in this type of therapy deal with how they interact with each other and try to form healthier patterns of interaction. Getting families engaged with treatment helps increase the likelihood of long-term success for the recovering patient.
Telehealth Therapy and Addiction Recovery
When going to a therapist’s office isn’t feasible, telehealth sessions can be just as effective as in-person visits. Phone and video conferences with a trained therapist work for both outpatient treatment and post-treatment follow-up sessions. Telemedicine might also have some advantages over scheduled daily or weekly in-person sessions, since it reduces the need for travel outside the home and makes keeping appointments easier. Guided group therapy sessions and 12-step programs also work in an online format, with participants using videoconferencing tools to hold their meetings.
Post-Rehab Therapy Options
Therapy for addiction doesn’t end when an inpatient rehab stay is over. Sessions with a counselor over the weeks or months following discharge can help reduce the risk of relapse and keep you on track. In addition to formal counseling sessions, many people join self-help support groups after leaving an inpatient rehab program.
At Greenbranch Recovery, we work to incorporate therapy into your rehab program in a way that accommodates your individual needs. If you are interested in beginning your recovery journey, contact us today at 833-272-6246 and one of our admissions counselors will help walk you through the process.