Different Approaches To Addiction Recovery

Different Approaches To Addiction Recovery

Adults who are seeking a change in lifestyle and behavior have multiple options to choose from, and must find the best avenue to meet their needs. Substance abuse treatment is a sensitive subject and the atmosphere of a treatment facility must be soothing and inspirational to achieve results.

Clients seeking such a treatment program should consider some of the available options and choose according to their own unique personality, treatment needs, and comfort level. A few of the approaches to treating substance abuse are discussed in more detail below.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Medication Assisted Therapy
• In-Patient Treatment Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Twelve Step Program Therapy
• NeuroIntegration Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and popular approaches to substance abuse and other mental health conditions. The goal is to become mindful of disruptive thought patterns and thinking errors. When awareness is brought to the forefront, the client is able to make changes in their thinking, thereby following up with changes in their behavior as well.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) treatment for substance abuse is very client specific and deals with individual patient history. This option can become intensive, depending on how much effort the client puts into the treatment plan. The focus here, contrary to CBT is the actual behavior experience. Instead of beginning with the thoughts and moving forward, DBT first takes a look at the behaviors and moves backwards toward the cause or nature of the substance abuse problem.

Medication Assisted Therapy

Some clients benefit from treatment programs that offer medication assisted therapy. Facilities recognize that withdrawal can include unpleasant side effects and dangerous chemical reactions if not closely monitored. Clients who feel they need the supervision of a medical professional to overcome their substance abuse challenges should consider a treatment facility that includes this service. This portion of a recovery plan is generally the first step to sobriety and will be followed up by another form of substance abuse therapy.

In-Patient Treatment Therapy

Similar to a medical treatment facility, in-patient treatment therapy offers clients the comfort of professional supervision. The substance abuse treatment takes place inside a facility designed for the purpose and could range from a hospital like setting to something resembling a halfway house. Clients are generally permitted to roam freely within the designated client areas of the facility, they are there on a voluntary basis and have the ability to sign out of the treatment facility and end treatment if desired.

Group Therapy

Many clients that are seeking support for substance abuse or addiction choose the group therapy option. In this setting, individuals practice sharing their experience and history of substance abuse among peers who can empathize with their plight. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. This method of substance abuse treatment is often preferred by clients who are uncertain about their treatment goal but want to begin somewhere. The group setting provides a sense of safety and comradery for many clients. Alternatively, clients who have difficulty trusting strangers may feel uncomfortable sharing their stories in a group setting. This type of therapy is common in inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Twelve Step Program Therapy

Twelve Step Programs offer the benefits of a group therapy setting and the structure of a predetermined path to success in overcoming a substance abuse problem. In this loosely controlled environment, clients learn to accept responsibility for their actions, make amends for their wrongdoings, and look toward a future that features lifelong sobriety. Participants receive virtual 24 hour access to a sponsor that is available to help in times of distress or temptation. They are not to be used as a crutch or alternative to facing reality, however. Sponsors are an effective tool to help those going through their twelve step programs remain accountable for their actions. Sponsors have already completed the program and experienced sobriety for themselves, so they are able to speak from personal experience and inspire newcomers to succeed.

NeuroIntegration Therapy

NeuroIntegration Therapy is a relatively new form of substance abuse treatment but has demonstrated a good deal of success among clients from all walks of life. In this treatment setting, individuals are assessed based on the notion that neural sensations are the root source for all the functions of the body. While NeuroIntegration Therapy loosely covers thinking patterns, it is less concerned with the outcome of the thoughts than with the source of those brain waves causing the thought to occur in the first place. This approach tends to treat dependency as a physical manifestation of the brain. There is not an accusation of short circuits, but there is a definite relation to neural pathways that are generated in times of stress or depression that cause the body to respond in a particular way to specific triggers. This explains the difference between two individuals that respond very differently to the same stimuli. The foundational research material covers everything from roller coaster thrill rides, overeating, gambling, and substance abuse. Each tendency is triggered by the same brain activity. Ongoing research hopes to prove this theory and create a viable solution or at least an effective interruption for these faulty brain signals.

The treatment methods discussed here represent only a few of the myriad of available choices for those battling a substance abuse problem. Treatment plans offer a variety of styles and approaches to meet the needs of an individual attempting to find sobriety and peace in their life. Essentially, with the number of choices available, every individual will be able to find a plan that works for them. Remember that this is an independent decision and should be weighed carefully, as the opinions of others can only carry so much weight when it comes to such a personal preference. What worked wonders for one person does not necessarily mean success for another.

If you are experiencing a personal struggle with substance abuse and are seeking a substance abuse recovery program, please contact St. John’s Recovery Place today. Your improved self is waiting.