COUNSELING AND THERAPY FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

HOW THERAPY CAN HELP WITH DRUG ADDICTION

Research findings show that combining therapy with other treatment options is the most effective long-term substance abuse treatment. This is because there are many life factors that can lead to alcohol and drug use in the first place. These life circumstances many not necessarily go away after drug and alcohol treatment, therefore they can be the same factors that lead to relapse. There are a variety of things that can lead a person to develop drinking or drug addiction. Some common triggers include, but are not limited to:

• Stress, especially sudden life stresses like a financial strain or family problems
• Environmental cues, such as being in a situation where others are using drugs and alcohol or visiting a neighborhood where you used to use
• Social networks and spending time with friends who use drugs and alcohol regularly

At BrightView, we know that many people do not feel comfortable with the idea of support groups or group therapy, but incorporating this into your treatment plan is very important and can be highly effective. When you are able to communicate with peer recovery supporters who are going through similar circumstances, you begin to build a network of support. This type of network and behavior therapy helps you face the challenges involved with remaining sober and drug-free amid your life circumstances and triggers. You build life skills to deal with those situations.

Individual therapy is also important on the road to long-term recovery. Many people have co-occurring disorders either as a result of drug use, or sometimes mental illness is a factor that has lead to a pattern of self-medicating through drugs and alcohol. One-on-one counseling sessions evaluate your individual needs and also serve as a tool to continually re-evaluate where you are in the recovery process. Continuing counseling even when you are no longer taking drugs or alcohol is key to staying on top of your health.