Types of Addiction Therapy Programs

Addiction therapy can help you manage your drug or alcohol addiction and get rid of it forever. It is one of the most effective ways to combat substance abuse. But in order for it to be effective, you need a strong will and determination on your part to completely overcome any temptation to return to drugs or alcoholism. Treatment centers rely on ongoing behavioral therapies, personal reflection and support groups to help addicts recover from addictions. The main goal of addiction treatment is to help the patient develop skills to deal with stress, anxiety and feelings of responsibility for acting on impulse when they know that it is destructive. Addiction therapy is also a crucial tool on the frontline of the addiction epidemic and as such it comes in a variety of types, some more successful than others, depending on the intensity of an individual’s addiction.

Type of therapy works to change the way a person thinks about addictions

One popular form of addiction therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy works to change the way a person thinks about addictions and the ways in which they handle stress and emotions related to their addictions. CBT helps patients to identify negative self-talk and to replace those thoughts with realistic and positive statements and thoughts. Along with this, CBT also teaches the patient to face their fears by asking them the why of certain scenarios and situations and to develop appropriate ways of responding to those situations in which they might face temptation. CBT is a highly successful form of treatment and has been proven to reduce the number of relapses, prevent future addictions, and enhance functioning.

Other addiction therapy programs focus on family dynamics and the dynamics within the family as a whole. Family counseling is especially valuable for those who have difficulties coping with addiction and are trying to improve their overall mental health and wellness. Family counseling sessions teach coping strategies that work well for each family member in order to ensure that the recovery process is streamlined and effective. These coping strategies include: assertive communication and reaction, realistic problem solving, set and meet goals, and maintaining healthy relationships. In addition, many family recovery centers incorporate religious activities, spiritual support groups, and activities that encourage family members to practice basic survival skills such as CPR.