Entering a treatment program for a substance use disorder is one of the most courageous things a person can do for themselves. It’s natural to have many questions and concerns about the types of therapy offered in rehab, especially if you’ve never participated in therapy before. Will therapy be invasive or uncomfortable?
Fear of the unknown can prevent some people from taking this life-saving step. Knowing what to expect will help both clients and their family members understand the treatment process and make the best possible decisions for their health.
Types of Addiction Rehab Treatment Programs
Most people are aware of residential treatment programs where clients live in a treatment facility for a designated period. Residential treatment is highly effective, but it’s not the only effective option that’s available.
Inpatient Rehab Program
A day in the life of an inpatient client includes scheduled therapy sessions, time for personal reflection, recreation, and extracurricular activities.
Outpatient Rehab Program
People attending an outpatient rehab participate in the same types of evidence-based therapies as those in residential programs, but they do not sleep at the treatment center.
Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs provide ongoing support after a person has graduated from their initial treatment program, which may include continued therapy.
Types of Therapies Commonly Used in Substance Abuse Rehab
Every rehab client is an individual with specific needs. Treatment plans are customized to meet those individual needs. All of the appropriate therapy options are available at both inpatient and outpatient programs. Aftercare programs typically include group therapy and experiential therapies.
Some of the evidence-based therapies that may be recommended include:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Studies show that people who have survived traumatic experiences are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop an addiction disorder than those who have not.
Many individuals seeking addiction treatment have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed therapy acknowledges the connection between trauma and addiction and creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can uncover and find healing for the root causes of their addiction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is foundational to addiction treatment. CBT helps clients recognize and change destructive ways of thinking and behaving. For example, the skills learned in cognitive-behavioral therapy could help clients identify the triggers that could lead to relapse and build the strategies needed to avoid those triggers.
Family Therapy
Addiction doesn’t affect only the individual; it affects the entire family unit. Family therapy provides an opportunity for spouses, children, siblings, and parents to heal and a therapeutic environment where loved ones can rebuild trust and strengthen their bonds.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapies are action-based treatments that clients can experience firsthand, such as mindfulness practices or art therapy. Experiential therapies can promote emotional growth and help reduce stress and anxiety. These therapies are used in addition to traditional modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides clients with an opportunity to give and receive nonjudgmental support from peers. Learning to connect with others in recovery inspires growth and teaches participants how to relate to others without the obstacle of drugs and alcohol. It is also a place to gain perspective from others who understand what you are going through.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is at the core of addiction treatment. Talking one-on-one with an experienced therapist helps clients understand themselves and their behaviors. During individual counseling, clients can address sensitive issues they may not want to talk about in group or family sessions.
The Benefits of Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Not long ago, the focus of drug and alcohol treatment was to stop usage. Today, treatment goes beyond simple abstinence. Discovering and healing the core issues that lead to addiction are the priority.
Benefits of therapy services in an addiction treatment program include:
- Learning new coping strategies
- Getting treatment for co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety
- Building relapse prevention strategies
- Repairing relationships
- Healing trauma
- Understanding the impact of family relationships on addiction
Both group and individual therapy provide something many people in rehab have lacked in everyday life: support balanced with accountability.
Therapy is more than just a good suggestion. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been widely researched and found effective for treating substance use disorders and reducing the risk of relapse.
Group therapy is used extensively in substance use treatment and has been found effective for developing coping skills and improving an individual’s engagement in the treatment program.
Many people are surprised to learn that mindfulness therapies like meditation, journaling, and deep-breathing exercises are evidence-based methods for addiction recovery. Mindfulness can improve cognitive control and decrease stress, which may lead to relapse if not addressed.
A combination of therapies may be recommended to meet the mental health needs of each client.
Is Therapy Recommended After Completing a Treatment Program?
There are many types of aftercare to consider once a person has completed a treatment program. Continued therapy can be helpful for anyone, but may be especially recommended for those with a long history of severe addiction issues and those with co-occurring conditions, such as depression or PTSD.
Families may need the extra support of therapy to reestablish bonds and repair the family unit. One study found that aftercare in some form can reduce the likelihood of relapse for clients who are considered high risk. Continuing with therapy can also help people ease the transition back into everyday life.
Could Someone You Know Benefit From Addiction Rehab Therapy?
Substance use disorder treatment programs offer a variety of therapies and programs because not everyone has the same needs.
Inpatient, or residential programs, are suitable for anyone struggling with addiction, but they may be highly recommended for people with severe addiction issues, dual diagnoses, or a history of trauma. Outpatient programs provide flexibility and may be ideal for those who don’t require high levels of supervision.
Each client’s individual treatment program may include several modes of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy. Different approaches allow clients to address a variety of needs.
Evidence-based therapies provide a number of proven benefits, like improving coping skills and reducing the risk of relapse. Continuing with therapy after the completion of a treatment program is optional. However, it may be recommended for people with co-occurring mental health concerns and those who lack strong support.
Many people with substance use disorders still find it intimidating to seek treatment. However, thanks to public awareness programs, stigmas surrounding mental health conditions are being reduced, allowing more people to feel comfortable accessing support. Therapy can help people recover from substance use disorders and live the healthy, happy lives they deserve.
