Different Forms of Therapy for Former Addicts

For someone trying to overcome an addiction, there’s no “one size fits all” method of treating it. Even after treatment, there is a multitude of different therapies that help a person to continue living their life in sobriety. Because each person who struggles with addiction is in a unique situation, there are different methods of maintaining their sobriety. This is because what works for one former addict may not work for another. Today, we’re going to discuss the various forms of therapy that help keep addicts away from their old habits. But first, let’s discuss what therapy is.

What is therapy?

Therapy is a treatment process where a person meets with a therapist to discuss problems with behaviors, convictions, feelings, relationships, etc. They also help a person better understand themselves and their surroundings. This is also known as psychotherapy or counseling. Having the will to start counseling can be a big step in the right way to make yourself happier and lead the best possible life. You will learn to alter attitudes and patterns through counseling, overcome painful feelings, and strengthen friendships and more.

The psychotherapy description relies on the counselor, treatment type and time period. After careful consideration, therapists are able to determine why a person acts the way they do, what led them to make a decision to abuse substances, and what treatment is needed.

What are the types of therapy?

Now, let’s discuss what therapy can look like and what kinds of therapy former addicts often use to help themselves live a successful sober life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, can be used to treat substance abuse disorders. CBT helps people better understand what their unhealthy coping mechanisms are and how they can alter them. This approach is helpful because it causes the person to self-reflect and tries to understand why they abuse substances. When they understand why they do it, they have a better possibility of fighting off their desires to use. It also helps people with coping strategies, recognizing risk situations, and how to prevent a relapse. Long after the initial treatment, the skills learned through CBT can be beneficial throughout recovery and sobriety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT helps with the improvement in the development of cognitive skills which increase inspiration, help overcome difficulties, strengthen mental health, assist with pain management, and help with emotional regulation. It may be suitable for a wide variety of cases of substance abuse, but it focuses primarily on the diagnosis of major personality disorders, including borderline syndrome. It also decreases cravings, assists individuals in avoiding triggers, makes them take action to avoid substance consumption, and teaches them better coping skills.

Contingency Management (CM)

Contingency Management can also be effective in the treatment and enhancement of a variety of types of disorders related to substance use, such as alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and stimulant. The main advantage of CM is that it can reduce the two major therapeutic problems: drop out and relapse. This approach provides material rewards as motivations for desirable behaviors, such as maintaining sobriety.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

This allows people to consider their own thoughts and then helps themselves develop better behaviors to think positively and in a more rational manner. REBT is based on an assumption of rational thinking; external circumstances don’t give you a sense of satisfaction or unhappiness (i.e. drug or alcohol use).

12-Step Program

The 12-Step Program therapy is based around continued encouragement by involving people in a 12-Step peer-supported group throughout recovery. Several other conferences are sponsored or affiliated with the 12-Step Program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Alternate intervention forms that can be used for the diagnosis

Specific forms of treatment can be used to reinforce the more standard treatment styles mentioned above. While these tools alone will not substitute the services for substance abuse, they may help improve treatment through coping with stress and mental well-being. Some of the additional treatments are:

Exercise 

Physical exercise is a healthy way to decrease tension and mental distress. Abstinence from some substances may cause weight gain, and exercise can help fight this.

Meditation 

Meditation is a way to self-reflect, achieve peace and serenity, and help a person de-stress. It can help fight against things in early recovery such as anxiety, depression, and other withdrawal symptoms. overall, it helps a former addict to put themselves in a more positive state of mind.

Yoga

Yoga is another practice in many varieties, with some moderate and more strenuous types focusing on respiration, relaxation, and other things. There can be several advantages, including reduction of stress, negative feelings of self-consciousness and increase peace, strength, and physical fitness.

Massage 

This method will also relieve physical stress and help you learn to relax without having to rely on a substance. Massages can become part of your self-care routine and even praise you with minor achievements on your path to healing. Early studies indicate that relaxation can help to relieve various symptoms associated with withdrawal from substances.

Equine Therapy

The concept of using different animals has become more common and reports have shown great results for people using service animals during recovery.

What are the benefits of therapy to an individual?

It is a major accomplishment when someone drops off from the habit of drug use – or any other substance. You’ve got a lot to be proud of, but you’ve got some work left to do after the initial recovery. Therapy is the beginning of a long cycle by which you practice to control cravings from any substance and to avoid relapse.

Counseling is a cornerstone of their treatment for substance abuse. You can stay clean by cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling or other types of therapy. it all comes down to whatever works best for you. Even if it means you try multiple kinds of therapy, you must continue learning how to stay sober after addiction recovery treatments. Counseling helps you escape cravings and helps you learn how to handle life without substances.