A big part of our residential treatment in Stuart is therapy.
Along with a focus on the physical dependence to drugs and alcohol, people in addiction recovery need to look at their mental ties to substance abuse in order to find lasting success. For many people, a helpful part of this introspection is psychotherapy.What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is used to help people work through a variety of problems including various mental health or behavioral health problems. Psychotherapy sessions can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in a group. There are also several different types of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Some talk therapy techniques can be more effective than others depending on the individual’s specific needs.
Psychotherapy Benefits for Substance Abuse
While many people may be hesitant to go to psychotherapy initially, overall 75% of people who partake in psychotherapy benefit from it.1 For people trying to get sober, psychotherapy can come with several benefits that can aid them in the recovery journey. Some of the benefits of psychotherapy for addiction specifically can include:
Better Understanding of Addiction
One of the biggest talk therapy benefits for people with substance abuse problems is a better understanding of themselves and their addiction. Many people who abuse drugs or alcohol turn to these substances to cope with negative or uncomfortable emotions, but not everyone will see this connection right away. Psychotherapy allows people to talk through their substance abuse and better understand this relationship as well as the root causes of their addiction.Emotional Regulation
Because addiction is often tied to a person’s emotions, the only way for a person with a substance abuse problem to find lasting sobriety is to learn how to regulate and manage these emotions. Some forms of psychotherapy have been proven to help with emotional awareness, expression, and regulation.2 With more control and understanding of their emotions, patients are less likely to relapse.Mending Broken Relationships
Many people with substance abuse problems have strained or toxic relationships with their loved ones. These poor relationships can be the result of years of the addict lying, stealing, or pushing people away. In some cases, codependent relationships may also develop and can be just as damaging. One of the benefits of psychotherapy for addiction is that it can help the person take steps to mend and correct these relationships. Through psychotherapy, people can examine these relationships and often come to recognize their role in their breakdown. This recognition often leads people to try to make amends and change their interactions with their loved ones moving forward.Peer Support
One of the many benefits of group psychotherapy is the development of peer support. Many people who struggle with substance abuse feel alone, but group psychotherapy allows them to connect with others who are going through similar problems. It can also give them people outside of their therapist to turn to when times get tough.At Banyan Detox Stuart, we offer several drug addiction therapies to help patients work through their substance abuse problems from every angle. This type of comprehensive approach to treatment gives people their best chance of finding lasting sobriety.
If you or a loved one needs help for a substance abuse problem, call us today at 888-280-4763.
Sources:
- APA- Understanding psychotherapy and how it works
- NCBI- The Role of Emotion in Psychological Therapy
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
