A patient learning about psychotherapy for addiction

Benefits of Using Psychotherapy for Addiction

Treating addiction requires more than just removing the substance from the body. It must also involve a deep look into what led to substance misuse in the first place, and that means participating in psychotherapy. For addiction treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy programs are considered the gold standard, but there are many options. 

At Promises, we offer recovery services that help you address the underlying cause of your substance use disorder. By relying on many types of psychotherapy, we can assist you in finding your path to sobriety. Contact our team at Promises by calling 844.875.5609

Types of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy for addiction comes in many forms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely used because it teaches people how to identify the negative or unhelpful thoughts that impact mood and lead them to rely on substances like alcohol and drugs. Once someone is able to identify these thoughts, they can change them. 

CBT can be helpful for treating both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Personality disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Another frequently used type of psychotherapy for those battling addiction is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a type of CBT that focuses on helping with emotion regulation. It encourages people to accept themselves as they are while at the same time striving to improve. 

Contingency management is another kind of psychotherapy for addiction that rewards people for positive behaviors. Therapists offer incentives to help clients meet their sobriety goals. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is helpful for those who develop an addiction as a result of trauma. EMDR helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memory so that the person can start healing from the damage it caused. 

These are just some of the many options available. When you start working with your therapist, they will be able to plan the most appropriate treatment strategy for your situation. 

Benefits of Psychotherapy for Addiction Treatment

Talk therapy is highly beneficial for the treatment of substance use disorders. Some of those benefits include:

  • Understanding – It can help by giving someone an understanding of why they are struggling to maintain their sobriety. 
  • Insight – Someone dealing with substance use concerns may not understand what psychological damage they may have sustained that triggered the need to rely on drugs and alcohol. As a result, it can be difficult to know how to address the problem. Psychotherapy gives the insight necessary to make that possible. 
  • Emotional Support – Addiction is often accompanied by guilt or shame, and that can impact recovery. By being able to speak about these struggles in a supportive and safe environment, it’s easier to work through them without being judged. 
  • Coping Skills – Often, people turn to substances to deal with powerful emotions or symptoms of mental illness. Instead of relying on drugs or alcohol, those in talk therapy can learn how to address uncomfortable feelings with positive coping strategies. 
  • Proper Perspective – At the same time, these sessions can help with making behavioral changes. Learning how to see the outside world and their own individual circumstances in a more positive light can improve a person’s mood. 

During talk therapy, clients learn relapse prevention strategies, too. They begin to recognize the triggers preventing them from recovering and learn how to address them. They also have the opportunity to put together a relapse prevention plan.

Begin Your Addiction Recovery Journey at Promises with CB

You don’t have to battle an active addiction on your own. By relying on professionals who understand the complexities of substance use disorders, you have a good chance of achieving and maintaining sobriety. 

At Promises, we offer a variety of programs. From inpatient to outpatient services, you can find the exact level of support you need. We are here to answer all of the questions you have about beginning treatment. Contact Promises by calling 844.875.5609 or reach out through our online contact form.

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