Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions that require holistic treatment approaches. Addiction can harm a person’s health, emotional well-being, relationships, and other aspects of functioning. Recovering from addiction depends on identifying destructive behaviors and taking steps to change them.
Behavioral therapies are therapeutic approaches that can help people recognize and change harmful behaviors. These therapies can be helpful for people in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
This article will explore some of the most common behavioral therapies used in addiction treatment.
What you will learn:
- The types of therapy that can help people navigate recovery and protect sobriety
- The benefits of therapy in addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Alamo Behavioral Health offers comprehensive, supportive treatment and recovery programs. Contact our specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Types of Behavioral Therapies Used in Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) can develop after even a short period of drug or alcohol abuse. People with SUD often cannot stop using addictive substances on their own. Many require comprehensive treatment that includes medical treatment, mental health support, education, and other evidence-based therapies.
Therapy is a critical aspect of addiction recovery. There are many therapeutic approaches used to treat SUD. Each approach uses different techniques and exercises to help people reach their recovery goals.
Here is a quick overview of several types of therapy used in SUD treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help people identify destructive patterns. It focuses on the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In CBT, people learn new life skills and coping strategies to reduce negative thoughts and harmful behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that can help people manage their emotions more effectively. In DBT, people develop mindfulness skills, emotional awareness, and coping strategies to reduce destructive thoughts and behaviors.
Contingency management (CM)
Contingency management provides rewards to people who achieve recovery-related milestones. For example, someone may receive gift cards or other incentives for attending sessions or having a clean drug screening.
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a form of CBT that focuses on actively changing behaviors. Like CBT, it emphasizes the connection between behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. It also helps to identify irrational beliefs that may lead to destructive behaviors.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing is a form of talk therapy that can enhance a person’s motivation for change. MI emphasizes the client’s goals and perspectives instead of reaching goals set by the counselor or other professionals.
Group therapy
Group therapy is a critical aspect of holistic recovery programs. People may participate in group therapy during inpatient, outpatient, or aftercare programs. During sessions, a small group works with a mental health professional. Together, they learn skills, process emotions, and support one another.
Family therapy
Many addiction experts believe that addiction often has roots in a person’s family system. Loved ones may sometimes enable a person with addiction or contribute to their substance use in other ways. Family therapy can help to identify and change destructive family patterns. It also gives family members a safe place to learn about addiction and create plans to support their addicted loved ones.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about these and other types of therapy used in addiction treatment.
The Benefits of Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Many people think of addiction as a physical condition. While addiction does impact the body, it also affects a person’s mental health, functioning, relationships, and more. Addiction experts believe that many factors can contribute to addiction, including:
- Genetics
- Behaviors
- Environment
- Mental health
- Personal history
Addiction is a complex condition. People living with SUD require comprehensive treatment to address the roots of this condition. Detox alone is not enough to help people achieve lifelong recoveries. People also need support, education, and other holistic care.
Therapy is a critical aspect of comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Therapy can help people explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors in new ways.
Understanding the self better can help people make choices that support lifelong addiction recovery. Therapy can also help people improve communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and learn healthy coping skills.
People may attend individual, group, and family therapy sessions as part of an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Many people begin therapy during treatment and then continue as part of their aftercare plan.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about the benefits of therapy in addiction treatment and recovery.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Recovery and relapse prevention are possible if you have the right type of treatment and support. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Behavioral Therapies for Drug Abuse
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers: Treatment Methods & Evidence-Based Practices
- Science Direct: Meta-review on the efficacy of psychological therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders
