Drug & Alcohol Addiction Therapies

Why Is Therapy Necessary for Addiction Recovery?

Therapy is essential for addiction recovery programs because psychological factors play a role in alcoholism and substance use. In fact, addiction can be more than just a physical dependence on drugs and alcohol. Therapy can help uncover the underlying issues behind addiction.

The reasons that people use drugs and alcohol are often psychological. For example, some people drink and use substances to cope with stress or painful emotions. Others may use substances to gain courage and boost self-esteem in social situations. Some people also use drugs and alcohol to combat boredom or general dissatisfaction with life.

Therapy can also prevent relapses. An addict who has quit needs to learn new ways of thinking about and interacting with the world. They need to be aware of triggers that can cause powerful urges to use again. Individuals also need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with those triggers. Drug & alcohol addiction therapies can help to increase self-awareness and develop healthy thought patterns and behaviors.

Types of Addiction Therapy

If one is battling addiction, there are numerous forms of therapy that can help. One can opt for individual one-on-one sessions with a therapist or group sessions with peers who are also struggling with addiction. One can also opt for medication-assisted therapies that enable an individual to minimize withdrawal symptoms and mental health symptoms. Many people find a therapy that works for them and stick to that throughout their recovery program. However, you may find that you want to explore different therapies at different points in your recovery journey.

Individual Therapy

If one is dealing with intense mental health symptoms such as depression or anxiety, individual therapy is a great opportunity to work through those issues. In addition, studies show that individuals who develop strong supportive relationships with a therapist throughout the recovery process are more successful in their programs. A therapist can be viewed as a sounding board, a resource, and a confidant.

Therapy sessions can be very productive in an individual setting. They give the addict the opportunity to delve deeply into their own specific issues that might be uncomfortable to share in a group setting. A therapist can individually assess the individual’s needs and treatment expectations. Then they can develop a tailored recovery plan specific to the individual without being burdened by any other person’s recovery plans.

A therapist can help during an individual therapy session. They can help you process the addiction and begin working through the issues that potentially contributed to your addiction. They can help you develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, negative emotions, and cravings. A therapist can also keep you motivated and committed to living a healthier lifestyle.

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Group Therapy

While individual therapy can be very effective, a group therapy setting can also have many advantages for recovery. Being surrounded by peers who have had similar experiences can make you feel less alone throughout the process. It can also encourage you to develop positive relationships and practice social skills.

Group therapy sessions can be very empowering. Typically, each person in the group shares their experiences and feelings. This allows you to see how other people are dealing with their issues. From this, you can gain insights into how to deal with your own problems. Group members can give feedback and support, which can be very motivating. They can also challenge you and keep you accountable for your actions.

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Family Therapy

Family therapy can be an important step in recovery. When a person is spiraling downward from addiction, loved ones can be heavily affected. Individuals often feel extreme guilt for hurting family members and this can lead to a cycle of shame and further substance use. A strong support system is necessary for an individual to complete recovery successfully.

Working through family issues can be a powerful motivator for the individual to change their life and for the individual to live a life in recovery. Family therapy can bring new information to light about why the addict feels or behaves in certain ways. It can also help eradicate negative thought patterns and belief systems.

Family therapy can reduce the rate of relapse. Individuals who feel supported by the people around them are more likely to commit to a life of sobriety. In addition, family members can learn how to best support the person in recovery. Instead of enabling them or pretending the problem does not exist, they can learn healthy ways to interact and provide care.

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Medically Assisted Therapy

Besides individual and group therapy, medically assisted therapy can effectively complete the framework of the recovery puzzle. Doctors can prescribe individuals medications to help ease the process of withdrawal. Medications can also effectively detoxify bodies from the substance they are addicted to.

It is common to use medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone when someone is weaning off of opioid addiction. These are all approved by the FDA for this purpose. Doctors often combine these medications with other forms of therapy such as counseling and behavioral therapies.

While medically assisted therapy can sometimes be controversial, studies have shown that recovery outcomes are better and there is a lower chance of relapse. This is mainly because the medication helps with withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, nausea and joint pain. When people feel better, they feel more motivated to make better decisions. Talk to the professional team at Cardinal Recovery to see if this is the right option for you.

Read more on medically assisted therapy.

12-Step Treatment

12-step programs are well known and can be very effective. Programs are usually designed in peer group settings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in an effort to encourage abstinence. The three main aspects of the programs include:

• The acceptance that an individual has a problem
• The ability to surrender to a higher power and accept the support of peers who have had similar experiences
• Involvement in 12 step-related programs and activities

These types of programs work well for a number of reasons. First, they provide safe, supportive environments where individuals can share their experiences without judgment. Members can find comfort in other people’s stories. They may also feel less alone in their recovery journey. Members can also give advice and assistance, which can be very empowering.

Sponsors are an important part of 12-step programs such as AA and NA. A sponsor is a senior member of the program who acts as a role model and mentor to newer members. Sponsors guide new members through the steps of the program and offer support. A sponsor can be a great source of advice and support when you need it most.

Read more on 12-step based treatment.

Non-Traditional Therapies

There are several non-traditional forms of therapy that can have a positive effect on recovery. Usually, therapists layer these methods with more traditional forms of therapy.

Music Therapy

Music is a big part of most people’s lives and is deeply connected to our emotions. A happy song can elevate the mood, while a sad song can bring up feelings of despair. Music can also motivate us. Under the supervision of a music therapist, this type of therapy can effectively help relieve stress. It can also help with emotional adjustment and improve mental well-being.

Music therapy involves using all aspects of music to help accomplish individual goals. A session could involve creating a new song, singing, dancing to music or listening to different types of music to evoke emotions. This can help retrain the brain to produce dopamine naturally. It can also help to redevelop cognitive skills.

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Yoga Therapy

Yoga can be another powerful aspect of recovery. The practice involves physical movement, breathing exercises, and meditation. Many individuals who practice yoga feel less stressed and more at peace. Some also find that it helps them focus better and feel more in control of their lives. Group yoga classes are also good for socializing.

There are many physical and mental benefits of doing yoga. The physical element of it helps to tone muscles, build strength, and improve circulation. It also improves flexibility. The breathwork enhances lung capacity and helps to reduce stress. Yoga also encourages you to focus on the body, which enhances self-awareness.

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Art Therapy

Art therapy promotes creativity and exploration. It is a healthy form of expression that can be done in many forms such as painting, sculpting and drawing. This might provide a key opportunity for an individual to share how they feel without using words. It can also be helpful for those with any co-occurring disorders.

There are a number of reasons addiction recovery treatment centers like Cardinal Recovery use art therapy in recovery programs. Expressing creatively through different art forms can elevate the mood and reduce anxiety. In group sessions, it encourages social interaction. Art also allows you to delve deeper into an issue so that you can see it in a different way.

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Nature Therapy

Exposure to nature can offer great benefits during recovery. Many studies have found that addiction can be attributed to a lack of connection with the mind, body, and nature. Life can be difficult to deal with when you do not feel connected to the world around you. Just being in and around nature regularly can decrease cravings and increase mental well-being.

Nature therapy is more than just taking a walk outside. A nature therapist may suggest meditation outdoors in a peaceful area. Horticultural therapy involves gardening to combat cravings and stress. Patients can also work with animals, exercise outdoors, or volunteer with conservation organizations.

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Faith-Based Treatment

Spirituality and a connection with faith during recovery can help an individual find peace within. The idea of surrendering to a higher power can be very cathartic and empowering. A religious community can also provide continuous support, similar to a peer group.

Faith-based programs differ depending on the religion and program. However, most will involve some form of meditation or prayer. This can be very useful for improving focus and reducing stress. Some faith-based programs also offer group therapy meetings, readings from holy literature and opportunities to join community events.

Read more on faith-based treatment.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care focuses on how a specific trauma might have affected or motivated an addiction. A licensed professional will work closely with the patient to help them understand the trauma and their responses to the impact of the trauma. The goal is to help the trauma survivor manage their thoughts and emotions so that they can rebuild a sense of control.

Individuals who have suffered trauma can benefit greatly from trauma-informed care. Specialist therapists can help survivors cope with their feelings and emotions effectively. They can help them identify triggers and form healthy methods for dealing with those triggers. The therapist can also help them build trust and self-esteem.

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The Value of Addiction Therapy

With so many substance use addiction therapies available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. An addiction recovery treatment center can help you identify the best form of therapy for your specific needs and expectations. The professional team at Cardinal Recovery can help you pinpoint drug and alcohol addiction therapies that will support your success in lifelong sobriety.