What Type of Therapy is Best for Addicts?

Behavior therapy is one of the most commonly used types of treatment for addiction, and is often used during substance rehabilitation. It has been adapted to a variety of effective techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and rational emotional behavioral therapy. Mission Harbor is at the forefront of technology and research, continuously evolving its therapy offerings. From traditional forms, such as family therapy, to the most advanced and revolutionary types of therapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, our team of licensed therapists integrates the most effective and reliable methods into your health plan recovery.

CBT is a type of therapy that can be used to treat a wide range of emotional disorders and problems. Studies have found that CBT is useful for addressing clinical depression, anxiety, PTSD, and marital and interpersonal problems. In essence, CBT is based on the premise that part of a person's suffering is rooted in faulty ways of thinking, believing, and acting on those beliefs. For example, a person with depression will be filled with shame and self-loathing that are not rooted in reality.

CBT helps point out these flaws in thinking and reframe them in a more realistic way. CBT also provides patients with tools to cope with stressful situations without resorting to negative thought and behavior patterns. It is especially useful for treating drug abuse and addiction. In CBT sessions, a trained therapist will guide patients on how to effectively deal with their fears instead of avoiding or escaping them through drugs and alcohol.

The therapist can use role-playing techniques to show patients how to prepare for potentially distressing interactions with other people. In addition, the therapist will teach patients how to calm their mind and their normal responses to stress. People with mental health disorders or substance use disorders may find themselves stuck in the past and reflecting on the adverse actions or events that have brought them to their current circumstances. CBT therapy sessions help move patients away from living in the past and instead guide them to what is happening in the “now” and how they can further improve their circumstances, set goals and progress.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT that teaches patients how to create positive behavioral changes. Patients who have suicidal tendencies or who engage in harmful behaviors can significantly benefit from DBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches coping skills that people struggling with addiction can apply to their lives to prevent a relapse. The techniques emphasized in CBT include weighing the positive and negative consequences of behavior and analyzing the effects of behavior before participating - often referred to as “playing the tape”.

This is an important skill that needs to be strengthened, since many addicts have never considered the consequences of their actions before. The best talk therapy for most people is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or a 12-step program. While the type of treatment depends on the client and the counselor, there are popular methods that have been proven over the years to work for clients with addiction problems. If you're struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and need help staying sober, working with a substance abuse therapist or recovery therapist is a wise decision. While there are many treatment options to choose from, the best type of addiction treatment for a person will depend on the severity of the addiction, treatment history, financial capacity, and other personal circumstances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research has shown that several different types of behavioral therapies for drug abuse are effective. If you or a loved one is getting ready to start an addiction treatment program, here are some of the types of therapies you're likely to encounter: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, residential rehabilitation, IOP (intensive outpatient program), aftercare programs, 12-step programs, etc.

Often, many of these types of therapies are used together to provide a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.