The first step on the road to recovery is going through detox. However, once the substance has been removed from the body, the recovering individual still has a long way to go. While the physical dependence on the drug has been removed, the psychological dependence must also be addressed.
Part of this process is day by day sober living through various types of therapies. Therapy helps people identify potential triggers, social and psychological factors, and other such issues that could potentially lead to a relapse if not addressed.
Types of Substance Abuse Therapies
There are many different types of therapies used to treat substance abuse. It is essential to remember that some therapies work better than others depending on the individual. As such, rehab and recovery centers will customize treatment therapies to best fit the needs of the individual.
Keeping this in mind, some of the more common substance abuse therapies can include:
- Family Therapy: Rebuilding damaged family relationships is an essential part of the recovery. Family members are often very influential in providing support.
- CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy): This therapy explores your thoughts, cravings, and various moods. It is used to help you identify triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.
- Individual Therapy: Individual therapy is often used for co-occurring conditions to help the person address those issues as well as their substance abuse problem.
- Group Therapy: Peers will challenge and support each other on their paths to recovery. Group therapy can also make participants feel accountable, which can help prevent relapses.
- Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, and other arts and crafts can help focus the mind on individual tasks, as well as keep one’s mind off thoughts of using.
- Exercise and Yoga Therapy: Part of sober living requires developing new exercise routines to keep the body healthy. Yoga is often used because it helps alleviate stress and focus the mind.
- Motivational Therapy: This type of therapy is used to help motivate the individual to continue their sobriety. It is beneficial when reintroducing various aspects of your life, such as work or returning home.
- CMT (Contingency Management Therapy): This is another type of “motivational” therapy that focuses on incentives. Incentives could include special privileges, various goods, or even services.
Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy: Which Is Better?
Many people find that both individual therapy and group therapy are beneficial for their recovery. Even if they do not have a co-occurring condition, there can be times when being able to talk one-on-one with a therapist can further help support recovery.
Additionally, the person may have certain things they are not yet ready to share in a group setting. Individual therapy provides the opportunity to talk about and explore these things. It can even help the person feel more at ease, so they eventually open up and share during group therapy.
Group therapy is an essential part of recovery. It allows people to develop better listening skills while, at the same time, they can hear others’ stories about their substance abuse problems. Furthermore, peer-to-peer therapy can make one feel part of a support network, which is another essential aspect of day by day sober living.
If you are ready to take the first steps on the road to recovery, please feel free to contact Adelante Recovery Center at (949) 427-9099 today! Our Orange County drug and alcohol addiction treatment center offers top-rated inpatient and residential treatment programs in tranquil settings that promote healing and wellness.