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?

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
Trauma
Co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or anxiety
Relapse prevention
Healthy relationships
Self-esteem
Boundaries
Family dynamics

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

Couples Therapy

Addiction can be devastating for couples, breaking trust and making it feel like you no longer know your partner. Couples therapy can help you:

Repair breakdowns in communication
Overcome difficult past transgressions
Problem solve
Evaluate your relationship if you are on the verge of ending it
Understand and navigate a partner’s addiction
Rebuild trust
Create boundaries

You and your partner will learn how to respect each other and improve the quality of your relationship.

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. Some popular therapies include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most common modes of therapy used in drug and alcohol addiction treatment because it is so effective. Its goal is to help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You will learn to recognize problematic patterns in your life and how to take steps to change the way you think and behave.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT is a form of cognitive therapy. It can help you:

Manage difficult emotions by learning to tolerate them and responding to intense situations in a healthy way
Be more mindful by living in the present and accepting reality
Build interpersonal skills by respectfully asserting yourself and communicating your needs

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps you recover from trauma. Rather than focusing on the traumatic event, a therapist will help you focus on the types of memories you have about the trauma. During sessions, they will guide your eyes using hand movements. EMDR helps you learn how to talk about your past without feeling so distressed by the events that happened. Often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research on EMDR shows it can also be helpful in substance use treatment.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing 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.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT aims to help you identify self-deprecating feelings and beliefs and change them into more positive ones.

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.

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:

Hiking
Swimming
Camping
Other wilderness-based excursions

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:

Creative writing and poetry
Artwork
Writing songs and creating music
Drama
Dance

Learn About Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM)

CAM can help with addiction recovery too. There are several different kinds of therapies to consider:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture comes from ancient China. During an acupuncture session, a trained practitioner inserts thin needles into various points in the body. By inserting needles into these designated points, your flow of energy is restored into proper balance.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy includes burning essential oils to facilitate calm. People use a variety of different oils, like lavender or jasmine. This practice can boost your overall well-being.

Body Touch Work

Various body touch movements can help with addiction recovery. Some popular methods include:

Yoga
Massages
Tai chi
Chiropractic medicine
Body movement therapies

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.

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!

References

Medically Reviewed by Sierra Gabrys, M.Ed., LCPC, NCC, CCM

Therapies for Addiction Treatment