Why Therapy Is Essential In The Treatment Of Addiction?

Battling drug abuse is strenuous but not impossible. Detox is only the beginning of a long and difficult process wherein an addict learns to manage and eventually stops the abuse of drugs. Counseling is an important aspect of treating addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Group Counseling and other kinds of therapy can help addicts stay clean. Often, addiction can lead to other psychological problems which can be treated through psychotherapy.

So, why exactly do you need counseling?

When an addict is dependent on drugs, it goes beyond mere physical dependence. Even after an addict is detoxified, certain psychological and social factors can play the role of triggers which may lead to a relapse. A counseling psychologist can help you combat triggers such as stress, environment cues, peer pressure and can help you simmer down cravings by teaching you how to manage temptations. 

No one method of therapy is better known than another, and so, there are several plausible counseling therapies. Treatments can be tailored to addicts and their addictions. The kinds of therapy are:

Individual/Group Therapy - Group therapy is usually better preferred over individual therapy as it provides addicts with a great deal of support from peers who are also facing similar issues. Support groups are useful and productive for recovery and are led by a psychotherapist. 

Outpatient/Residential Treatments - When a patient is undergoing residential therapy, they’re kept away from anything that may expose them to drugs. They’re encouraged to lead a drug free life. Outpatient therapy is recommended for individuals with a comparatively lesser serious addiction and receive counseling apart from prescription treatment. 

Apart from these, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals reorganize their thoughts and replace negative thoughts with positive ones which helps them distance themselves from substances. Contingency Management Therapy gives patients positive incentives in order to stay clean which encourages detoxification. 

Therapy and treatment of addiction go hand in hand for detoxification is not just physiological but psychological too. Hence, it is important for an addict to acquire and learn the right skills and mind frame to quit and stay away from substance abuse.