The Role of Therapy in Drug Rehab

The Role of Therapy in Drug Rehab

Addicts often feel intimidated when revealing their addiction, but therapy can help them discover the causes and contributors to their predicaments. They can also learn ways to combat those problems.

Various therapies are available in drug rehab, including one-on-one therapy sessions and group therapy. These therapies can increase patient motivation, self-confidence, communication skills, and feelings of well-being.

One-on-One Therapy

One-on-one therapy, or psychotherapy, is a private conversation between you and your counselor about personal issues, stressors, and other aspects of your life. Talking candidly with a trusted confidant in a safe setting helps you understand your feelings and identify any underlying issues contributing to your addiction.

Therapists work with various treatment modalities to develop an individualized approach for each client. Some examples of therapies include motivational enhancement therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

When you speak with your therapist in a group setting, you may divulge information that could be sensitive or embarrassing to others in the room. For example, if you know that going to your drug-using relative’s house will tempt you to use drugs, you can share this with your therapist in one-on-one counseling at drug rehabs detox San Diego and learn how to overcome that urge. Having this knowledge can help you make more informed choices for your recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy reduces the sense of isolation that many individuals in recovery feel. It provides a supportive environment where participants can witness the progress of others and be inspired by their success. Group counseling sessions can also help clients improve their communication skills by learning how to interact with other people safely and healthily.

In addition, group therapy allows participants to confront their denial about substance abuse. In the process, they may discover that other members share some of their struggles with denial. Group confrontation is usually guided by a trained therapist who manages the group’s dynamics.

Different types of group therapy exist, including psychoeducational groups that teach about addiction and coping skills; skill development groups that hone specific coping skills; cognitive-behavioral groups that rearrange dysfunctional patterns of thinking; and interpersonal process groups that enable participants to explore their relationships without the use of drugs or alcohol. Research on the effectiveness of group therapy in addiction treatment has been limited, but most studies show similar results to individual therapy.

Family Therapy

Addiction is an entire family affair, and it’s not just the addict who needs treatment. Many addiction therapists offer family therapy, which can be a great asset for families who struggle with their loved one’s substance abuse. For example, a counselor might help family members learn healthy coping skills and improve communication. Family therapy can also uncover underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction, such as past trauma or dysfunctional relationships.

One approach to family therapy focuses on connecting clients with their existing supportive social networks and using cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention techniques. It involves incorporating family and group therapy sessions, leveraging extrafamilial support networks (e.g., mutual-aid groups), and linking recovery supports to community resources, including a peer recovery support specialist if available. Additionally, it emphasizes harm reduction goals and a non-blaming approach.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a long-term treatment option that includes addressing the causes of addiction and building healthier life behaviors. This might include limiting interactions with former social circles, attending regular group meetings to build supportive relationships, and practicing healthy eating and sleeping habits.

Therapists help clients identify and understand their triggers — situations, people, and places incentivizing them to use drugs or alcohol. They also work with them to develop strategies for avoiding these high-risk situations.

The next phase is mental relapse, where the person thinks about using substances again. The thoughts are intrusive, and their previous substance misuse lifestyle is glamorized. They might lie about meeting former friends or returning to their favorite hangouts.

Therapists might also encourage the client to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors — exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and having a positive self-image. They might also teach them to handle emotional and physical stressors without resorting to substance abuse.

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