Addiction has become a huge problem for millions of people worldwide and has grown significantly in the last few years, thanks in large parts to the pandemic and the stresses of modern day life.
Getting help through a rehabilitation centre in Surrey is often the best way to address addiction, with healthcare professionals within them providing therapy, counselling and guidance on how to find the underlying problems that have led to addiction, and how to find healthier coping mechanisms moving forward.
When it comes to therapy there are options available, but its role generally stays the same. In fact, therapy plays an integral role in addiction treatment. And here’s how and why…
CBT is one of the most common and most effective forms of therapy used for addiction treatment and you’ll find it available in most rehab centres.
It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all interconnected and that you can change negative thoughts in order to create healthier behaviours.
CBT is especially effective as it provides the tools people need to navigate everyday life, something of which can be challenging when leaving rehab. This can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and keep people on track in recovery.
This is a modified form of CBT that is specifically designed for those living with borderline personality disorders. However, over the years it has been adapted to also treat those living with addiction and other mental health conditions too.
DBT will tend to focus on four key areas:
What makes it particularly successful among patients is the emphasis on acceptance and change. It encourages people to accept themselves, but also moving towards meaningful behavioural changes that will help them live a healthier and happy life, removing things such as self-destructive behaviours.
Less common but equally as effective is motivational interviewing, an approach that unlike CBT and DBT focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviours. It’s all about encouraging a person to be more motivated in their recovery.
MI is all about self assessment and relies on people to find their own reasons for change. It allows them to:
It’s all about change coming within and instead of putting pressure on individuals, therapists encourage people to find their own reasons for wanting a better life. This can be particularly effective for those who are unsure about treatment or have experienced relapse in the past.
The 12-step programme is used by Alcoholics Anonymous and is encouraged by many counsellors. Those living with addiction must work their way through the 12 steps, which range from admitting they’re powerless over their addiction, making amends with loved ones and seeking support. It’s especially useful for those who want to feel part of a community while going through treatment and recovery.
This behavioural therapy is all about positive reinforcement, with people receiving rewards for maintaining their sobriety, as well as other areas such as attending therapy or hitting milestones. It can especially be effective for those living with opioid or stimulant addictions.
Addiction does not only affect the individual but also their family and loved ones. Family therapy helps rebuild relationships, improve communication, and educate family members about addiction and recovery. It also provides a support system that can be crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety.
Ultimately, there are a large number of therapy variants out there, all of which can be highly effective. However, it’s important to consult with counsellors to find the right one for you or a loved one. Everybody reacts differently to different forms of therapy and it can make a huge difference in the success of recovery.
However, the right type of therapy is out there and it can make all the difference in moving forward with a healthier and happier life.
