Addiction Therapy: How to Treat Substance Abuse

Are you struggling with drugs or alcohol? Have you tried stopping on your own, but you can’t seem to quit? Are things continuing to get worse and worse? Addiction therapy may be the

You’re not alone. Addiction professionals are continuing to research how drugs impact the brain and body. As a result, substance abuse therapies are better than they’ve ever been. Seeking professional treatment, under the care of people who are experts in these therapies, can help you get your life back on track.

How Does Therapy Help with Substance Abuse?

Therapists are mental health professionals who can help you understand yourself better. You may work on a variety of issues in therapy, including:

Identifying substance abuse triggers
Processing trauma, grief, and loss
Managing co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or anxiety
Relapse prevention planning
Forming healthy relationships
Building self-esteem
Setting boundaries
Enhancing family dynamics

Footprints to Recovery offers several different kinds of therapies. Not sure which treatment is best? Not a problem!

Our staff helps you determine which therapy—or therapies—are most appropriate for your history of medical and mental health, your experience with drugs or alcohol, and your personality.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, you work one-on-one with a therapist, usually the same one over time, so you build a relationship of trust with them. Together, you’ll focus on any specific goals and issues you have, working through your past, understanding your present, and creating to the most appropriate plan of action for your future. They will provide a safe place for you to process your emotions each week.

Every level of addiction treatment at Footprints to Recovery includes individual therapy.

Group Therapy

In group therapy, one or two therapists lead sessions with a small number of like-minded clients. This gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings with others who have had similar experiences. The therapists will teach you coping skills and essential social skills, and they’ll use roleplay to imitate real-life situations. The peer support that group therapy offers is invaluable to many people recovering from addiction.

Every level of addiction treatment at Footprints to Recovery includes group therapy.

Family Therapy

Family therapy helps all family members better understand addiction. It focuses on strengthening communication, improving boundaries, and repairing broken trust among any members of your family or your close friends who choose to participate.

What Are the Kinds of Therapies That Therapists Use?

Within individual, group, couples, and family therapy sessions, therapists use various evidence-based treatments. These treatments have been studied and proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues.

Some popular therapies include:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Contingency Management (CM)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

During addiction treatment, therapists will work with individuals or groups to develop personalized plans that best meet their needs. In order to get the most out of the therapeutic process, individuals should be honest and open with their therapist in order to explore all potential treatment options.

Addiction therapists can also provide guidance and support throughout the process. With a combination of evidence-based treatments, emotional support, and practical advice, individuals can work towards improved mental health outcomes.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a powerful approach to improving psychological and emotional well-being. By taking the time to become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment, you can begin to identify areas where you need to make changes in order to live the life you want. By making active commitments to be honest with ourselves and engaging in meaningful values-based action, we can begin to fully accept our authentic selves and find lasting peace.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people learn to better manage their health issues through the use of various techniques and strategies. As it stands, CBT is one of the most common modes of therapy used in drug and alcohol addiction treatment due to its effectiveness in treating substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

CBT is based on the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and it teaches us how to recognize patterns in our thinking that can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors. With CBT, we can challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with healthier, more helpful ones. For this reason, it is a beneficial way to address the underlying causes of specific mental health issues and lead us to improved mental health overall.

Contingency Management (CM)

Contingency management relies on reward systems to incentivize change. Such rewards can be a powerful incentive, particularly when it comes to addiction treatment. Research shows CM can be especially effective in treating opioid addiction and stimulant addiction.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modified form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by Marsha Linehan that is used to treat many mental health conditions. It focuses on modifying behavior and developing skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT uses mindfulness techniques as an integral part of the treatment process. Mindfulness techniques help individuals to recognize their thoughts and feelings without judgment in order to gain control over emotional reactions and behavior.

DBT also helps individuals to develop healthy coping strategies, learn effective communication skills, and build meaningful relationships with others. By utilizing the evidence-based techniques of DBT, individuals will be better equipped to manage their symptoms, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment method that can help people overcome the effects of traumatic events. It is a powerful technique that helps reduce distress and target the root causes of psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research on EMDR shows it can also be effective in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, grief and loss, addiction issues, and many other mental health conditions.

EMDR helps to reprocess difficult memories, allowing the brain to process them more effectively and create new positive associations. It works by focusing on a distressing memory while stimulating the brain’s natural processing mechanisms with a series of motions or images. This helps to reduce the intensity of emotions related to the memory, and can even help to create a new positive outlook on life.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a short-term therapy, that focuses on your motivation for change. Many clients come to treatment feeling unsure about change. This therapy can help you feel more confident about your decisions to make positive differences in your life. By exploring your thoughts and feelings about the changes, you can decide on a plan of action that will help you reach your goals.

While motivational interviewing can be used in any setting, it is often used to help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues make positive changes. With a supportive atmosphere and an emphasis on self-determination, Motivational Interviewing helps you take ownership of your choices and move towards a healthier lifestyle.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is an approach to helping people understand and modify their thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. REBT was developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s as a form of cognitive behavior therapy. REBT seeks to change distorted thinking patterns that can lead to unhealthy emotions and behaviors.

This type of therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts shape how we feel and behave. By changing our thinking, we can change the way we think about ourselves and our experiences. Rational emotive behavior therapy also emphasizes personal responsibility and self-awareness. The goal is to help people become more aware of their thought patterns and how they impact their behavior.

Which Therapy Is Right for You?

When you’re admitted to Footprints to Recovery, we assign you a clinical therapist. You’ll meet with your therapist within the first 24 hours of arriving at our facility. After that you’ll attend weekly individual therapy sessions. You and your therapist will collaborate to discuss the goals for your clinical treatment and support you in deciding the best treatment for your needs.

Are You Stuck with a Certain Therapy Once You Choose It?

No, you’re not stuck! Therapy is a highly individualized process, which means your therapy is unique to you. And it’s normal for your needs to change over time. Our staff will work with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment. We value taking a flexible, customized approach in working with each one of our clients. If something needs to change, we’ll work with you on changing it.

What About Alternative Therapies?

Many clients benefit from alternative, evidence-based therapies that supplement individual or group therapy. While participating in alternative therapies, clients find healing and relief from symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues.

Footprints to Recovery offers clients the opportunity to explore and utilize emerging methods of alternative therapy, including but not limited to:

We understand that each individual’s needs are unique and offer a safe and supportive environment for exploring different forms of healing.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy uses animals to facilitate emotional healing. Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can reduce substance cravings. It can also decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety while promoting empathy and gratitude. Animal therapists often use horses or dogs in their work.

Adventure Therapy

If you enjoy being out in nature, your feelings of peace, joy, and fulfillment are normal. It’s scientifically proven that being outdoors makes people happier. Adventure therapy may include:

Biosound Therapy

Biosound therapy has become more popular in recent years. It relies on musical instruments and other sounds to stimulate a relaxed state. Once you’re relaxed, you’ll listen to different affirmations designed to impact you at a subconscious level. This therapy can boost overall mindfulness. It can also help you feel less anxious or depressed.

Expressive Therapy

Sometimes it’s hard to talk about your feelings. Expressive therapy uses creative measures to make that easier. Expressive therapy options may include:

Learn About Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM)

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are treatments that are not part of conventional medicine and focus on natural therapies to assist in the healing process. CAM has been used successfully by people from all walks of life for centuries, helping to improve their overall health and well-being.

At Footprints to Recovery, we believe in providing our clients with access to the latest supplemental CAM treatments. Some of our complementary therapy offerings include:

While these holistic treatments can be used on their own, we provide them in combination with traditional medical treatment and evidence-based therapies. Throughout treatment, our knowledgeable staff can provide insight and guidance on the best type of traditional and complementary treatment services for your specific needs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive form of therapy that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It supports the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging it to work more efficiently and effectively. In general, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the skin and body using a variety of techniques including needles, heat, pressure, or laser stimulation.

The effects of acupuncture are wide-ranging and can help improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Acupuncture has been shown to assist in treating a variety of conditions such as back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, and osteoarthritis. It can also be used to treat muscle tension, inflammation, digestive issues, insomnia, depression, and other stress-related illnesses.

Aromatherapy

During treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, aromatherapy can be used as an additional tool to help people work toward sobriety. Aromatherapy essential oils can reduce cravings, ease stress, and provide comfort during recovery.

During our treatment programs, we offer aromatherapy sessions that utilize a wide selection of essential oils with therapeutic properties. For instance, groups learn about the different applications of natural scents and experience the calming effects of burning essential oils such as lavender or jasmine. In doing so, our aromatherapists can teach accessible relaxation techniques to help individuals on their journey to sobriety.

Chiropractic Medicine

During treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, chiropractic medicine can be an invaluable tool. This is because chiropractic care can improve energy levels, moods, sleep, and digestion. These services can also help to reduce stress which plays a key role in relapse prevention and helps people stay on the path of recovery from addiction.

Within our outpatient levels of care, we provide one-on-one sessions with trained chiropractors who can help you find relief from physical pain and address the underlying mental and emotional issues associated with addiction.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork

Massages can help reduce stress and tension, improve circulation, and can even help with physical ailments. During treatment, massage therapy sessions are performed by trained and experienced massage therapists who specialize in a variety of techniques. This provides a safe, calming experience for clients to achieve a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle.

Bodywork is a unique form of massage that uses gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes to relax the body’s muscles. The soothing strokes can help release knots, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. It can also provide relief from chronic pain and improve sleep quality.

We provide massage and bodywork services during addiction treatment to bring relaxation and balance to your body, mind, and spirit. We believe that safe, respectful forms of bodywork and massage therapy can help you heal on all levels of your being—mind, body, and spirit.

Meditation

Meditation is a well-known recommendation in addiction treatment. It helps you become more aware of your present state and can increase your acceptance of both yourself and the world around you. Some people prefer to meditate in a quiet space while focusing on their breath. Others enjoy listening to guided imagery scripts.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of physical, mental, and spiritual practice. Many people turn to yoga as a way to relax their body and mind, while simultaneously strengthening both body and spirit. Through the practice of yoga, you can learn to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and learn how to create balance in your life without the use of drugs or alcohol during treatment and recovery.

Our yoga classes focus on techniques that cultivate mindfulness, guide relaxation, and enhance physical strength in a supportive environment. During group sessions, our yoga practitioners also incorporate mindful breathing techniques, physical postures, and tai chi exercises to foster overall health and well-being while managing cravings.

Joining Addiction Therapy at Footprints to Recovery

At Footprints to Recovery, we take pride in our clinical services. We value therapy during every stage of recovery because we know how much it helps our clients!

Addiction treatment can help you reclaim your life. We’re here to support you. Contact us today to learn more!