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Recovery from addiction goes beyond just healing the body. It’s also about working through the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that fuel substance use or develop as a result of it. While a medical detox may take care of the physical side, one of the biggest hurdles toward lasting recovery often involves the emotional and mental side of things. Therapy creates a safe space to dig deep and uncover the root cause of your addiction. It helps you identify your triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild a life with purpose and joy.
At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we know that therapy is an essential part of recovery. It’s where you can process painful experiences. And it’s also where you can begin to create a toolbox for lasting sobriety. But maybe you aren’t entirely convinced. Reaching out for help can be a courageous and difficult decision. So, how can therapy help you? What should you know?
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Benefits of Therapy for Addiction
Therapy has several benefits during addiction recovery, including:
Addresses the Root Cause
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It also doesn’t happen just because. Usually, this cycle develops due to unresolved trauma, high stress, or pre-existing mental health conditions.
With therapy, you can begin to process the root cause. You’ll get to the bottom of why your addiction occurred in the first place and learn to address it in a healthy and effective way.
Develops Healthy Coping Skills
The development of healthy coping mechanisms through therapy has been shown to have a 45% reduction in opioid misuse at a 9-month follow-up, demonstrating its undeniable effectiveness in recovery. In your therapy sessions, you’ll learn how to:
- Recognize and manage your triggers
- Manage stress in a healthy way
- Reframe negative thought patterns
- Healthy boundaries and communication
- Discover activities that foster joy and purpose in your life
- Develop support systems
These skills will allow you to face life’s challenges, without falling back into past substance abuse habits.
Helps Rebuild Relationships & Trust
Addiction can break even the relationships closest to us. A major part of recovery is learning how to rebuild these relationships, as well as trust. This may be done through various forms including individual or family therapy. In turn, this can further help you create a support system and also ensure your loved ones play an active role in your recovery journey.
Increases Confidence
Therapy involves a lot of self-reflection. Through this, you’ll discover how to foster more compassion for yourself, as well as gain emotional resilience. With improved self-esteem and self-worth, you’ll also be more likely to make choices that sustain your sobriety.
Prevents Relapse
While relapse can be part of the recovery journey, therapy can help deter this from happening. As mentioned above, it can guide you on making healthier and more informed choices that won’t lead to substance use. For instance, you may discover that avoiding particular situations or past friend groups is beneficial for your health, life, and recovery.
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Types of Therapy for Addiction
Typically, a holistic addiction recovery treatment program will incorporate various therapies, giving you the best chance of success and tackling your addiction from every angle. Common therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy identifies and challenges negative and unhealthy thought patterns which drive behavior.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Similar to CBT, DBT works by helping regulate your emotions and stress tolerance.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): This works to help you identify your motivations to change, helping you commit to your recovery efforts.
- Group Therapy: Talking to others in similar situations and hearing their stories can foster connection and support.
- Family Therapy: This can help you rebuild relationships with those closest to you and address unhealthy dynamics.
- Mindfulness Therapies: Mindfulness helps you learn to create space between stimulus and response, as well as enhances your stress-coping capabilities.
While therapy types aren’t limited to the above, the most effective approach includes multiple types of these therapies. In fact, you might find specific ones more helpful at different stages of your journey.
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Break Free From Addiction—Starting Today
Recovery isn’t always linear—and that’s okay. But when it’s difficult, therapy can ensure you have the tools and resources you need to come out the other side. At FRC, our caring and compassionate team is here to support you throughout your journey.
We believe your future is bright and a new life is waiting for you. When you’re ready to start that journey, call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form. We answer our phones 24/7. Recovery is possible, and you are just a phone call away from taking that first step toward it.
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FAQs
What is the role of psychotherapy in the treatment of substance use disorders?
Psychotherapy, such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), helps address psychological factors fueling addiction. It can help you sort through trauma, stress, emotional issues, and more, paving your way toward a sustainable recovery.
How is drug therapy used to treat addiction?
Alongside talk therapy, drug therapy may be used to help with mental health conditions, detox, cravings, preventing relapse, and treating withdrawal symptoms.
What type of therapy is used for addiction?
Multiple types of therapies are used for addiction. Commonly used ones include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and group therapy. The exact therapies in your treatment will depend on your specific situation and needs.
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