Any person who has experienced substance abuse knows that the disorder is multidimensional and complex. Various predisposing factors make someone abuse drugs or alcohol, and the driving forces can be environmental, genetic, or a combination of the two. Research indicates that individuals who have gone through stress, trauma, and difficult life experiences are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs. Below is a list of various types of therapy for addiction treatment.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a popular type of therapy for treating substance use. It was developed to help people dealing with alcohol abuse recover from going into relapse. CBT is now used to treat various substance-use disorders and is offered as a therapy for multiple mental health issues to improve the overall mental wellbeing. CBT looks at how a person’s thoughts and feelings interact and affect the actions that lead to substance abuse. The approach groups feelings, thoughts, and actions as one. It is a practical approach for addiction treatment since it helps patients establish underlying motivations for their alcohol and drug use and make changes to minimize the triggers.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is also a common type of substance-use treatment therapy and focuses on treating individuals with negative emotions and thoughts about themselves. The approach is used to treat addiction directly and disorders that co-occur with addiction, including mood disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. DBT helps patients to cope with their self-harming and uncomfortable thoughts. It is used alongside various methods, including deep breathing and yoga exercises, to allow patients to accept their identity and promote a sense of calm.
Group Therapy
A substance abuse counselor works with a large group of recovering individuals. Patients in the same stage of recovery are grouped, and a group of 15 clients is given one to three therapists. The activities that take place in group therapy can vary, but the basic idea is that group members help each other. Addiction professionals advise recovering patients, and group members share their experiences, making the whole process therapeutic. Group therapy is a practical approach to substance abuse recovery as it increases motivation, leading to minimal feelings of isolation.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses issues in the family of an individual recovering from substance use. Various therapy techniques focus on family structure and relationships; some include the recovering person and family members in therapy sessions. Family therapy occurs if the patient’s substance use has caused emotional stress in family members. It is a chance for family members to discuss such matters with the aid and guidance of a counselor. Complicated family relationships can trigger a family member to abuse alcohol and drugs. This kind of therapy enables patients to talk openly about the underlying issues to allow the identification of root causes of substance abuse and how to resolve them.
Art and Music Therapy
Art and music are creative expressions that enhance the recovery process. Affordable Substance Abuse Treatment Denver CO rehab centers sometimes offer music and art therapy to help patients recover from alcohol abuse. The purpose of music and art is to help patients relax, stay occupied, and express how they feel. The approach helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are typical for individuals struggling with alcoholism.
There are various therapy options for treating substance-use disorders. If you or someone you know is having trouble with substance use, contacting a treatment provider helps you learn more about the treatment options.
