Therapeutic Approaches to Addiction Treatment: Finding What Works for You

Learn more about the therapy options for addiction available at AM Behavioral Health.

Written and reviewed by Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S.

An Overview on Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that affects around 20 million people 12 years and older. It can feel overwhelming and isolating. But the good news is you don’t have to go through this alone.¹

Imagine yourself finally feeling free from the grip of addiction. You’re in control, your relationships are healing, and you have a brighter future ahead. Therapy is a powerful tool that can help you reach this point.

There are many therapy options for addiction treatment. Therapy provides a safe space to explore the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Find Therapy Options for Addiction at AMBH

At AM Behavioral Health (AMBH), we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches designed to meet your individual needs and goals.

Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs, or a behavioral addiction, our amazing team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best chance for long-term success.

Levels of Care and Personalized Therapy at AM Behavioral Health

AM Behavioral Health recognizes that the journey to recovery isn’t the same for everyone. That’s why we offer a continuum of care along with a variety of therapy options for addiction. This means we provide different levels of support depending on your specific needs.

This could be:

"At AM Behavioral Health, the first step we take when developing a treatment plan is to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This assessment includes gathering information about the patient's substance use history, medical background, mental health status, social support system, and treatment goals. By gaining a thorough understanding of the patient's unique needs and circumstances, we can tailor a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific challenges and promotes sustainable recovery. This initial assessment serves as the foundation for the collaborative development of a holistic and individualized treatment approach that aligns with the patient's preferences and strengths."

Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S Tweet

Here’s how we personalize therapy within each level of care:

Assessing Each Unique Situation

Our team will work with each person to understand:

Their addiction history

Any underlying mental health conditions

Personal goals for recovery

Tailored Therapy Approaches

Based on an assessment, we recommend a combination of therapeutic approaches that have proven to be effective. This might include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns or motivational interviewing, which empowers people to make positive changes.

Focusing on Sustainable Healing

Our goal is not just to get our clients through the initial stages of detox, but to equip them with the tools needed to maintain recovery long-term. This might involve:

Relapse prevention strategies
Stress management techniques
Building a strong support network
Harm reduction techniques when applicable

"At AM Behavioral Health, we recognize that addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition, and harm reduction strategies can help individuals reduce the negative consequences of their substance use while they work towards recovery. Harm reduction approaches may include providing access to clean needles, naloxone distribution to prevent opioid overdoses, and education on safer substance use practices. By meeting patients where they are and providing non-judgmental support, we aim to minimize harm, promote health and safety, and ultimately facilitate engagement in treatment and recovery."

Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S Tweet

At AMBH, we believe that personalized therapy, delivered within the right level of care, is the key to achieving sustainable healing. Our dedicated team will work with you every step of the way, empowering you to regain control of your life and build a brighter future.

"We prioritize staying updated with the latest research and developments in addiction medicine by regularly attending conferences, participating in continuing education programs, and engaging in peer-reviewed literature reviews. Additionally, our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely, sharing insights and knowledge from their respective fields. By remaining informed about advancements in addiction medicine, we can incorporate evidence-based practices and innovative treatments into our approach, ultimately enhancing the quality of care we provide to our patients."

Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S Tweet

Exploring Therapy Options for Addiction: CBT

One of the most widely used therapy options for addiction treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people with addiction understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

It works by:²

Identifying negative thought patterns: CBT therapists help people with addiction identify negative thought patterns that contribute to substance misuse. These patterns might include thoughts like “I can’t handle this without using” or “I’m a failure if I relapse.”
Challenging unhelpful beliefs: Once negative thoughts are identified, CBT helps people challenge their validity. Therapists guide them to examine the evidence for and against these thoughts and develop more realistic and empowering beliefs.
Developing healthy coping mechanisms: CBT equips people with practical tools to manage cravings and cope with stressful situations in healthy ways. These tools may include relaxation techniques, communication skills training, and building a support network.

Integration of CBT in Addiction Treatment

CBT is a highly effective approach to treating addiction. This is because it addresses the root causes of substance misuse, not just the symptoms. In fact, a study on CBT showed that 60% of those with cocaine dependence remained clean after 52 weeks.³

By learning to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, people can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their risk of relapse. CBT is often integrated into various treatment programs at AM Behavioral Health, either as individual therapy sessions or in group settings.

Therapy Options for Addiction: Motivational Interviewing

Another valuable addition to the world of therapy options for addiction is motivational interviewing (MI). This approach focuses on collaboration and empowering people to make positive changes for themselves.⁴

MI is a client-centered approach. This means the therapist is a guide and supporter rather than dictating solutions. It helps with addiction recovery by:

Enhancing Motivation

MI therapists don’t tell clients what to do. Instead, they use open-ended questions and reflective listening to help them explore their own desires and motivations for change.

This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership over the recovery process and can significantly increase motivation.

Addressing Ambivalence

It’s common for people struggling with addiction to feel conflicted about change. MI therapists acknowledge these mixed feelings and help them explore the pros and cons of both using and not using substances.

By openly discussing these challenges, people can move toward a stronger commitment to recovery.

Promoting Readiness for Treatment

MI is a powerful tool for helping people move from considering treatment to actually taking action. Therapists use MI techniques to explore a person’s readiness for change and identify any barriers holding them back. This can be a crucial step in initiating effective addiction treatment.

MI empowers people to take charge of their recovery by fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. At AM Behavioral Health, we include MI into our treatment programs, providing clients with the tools to build a strong foundation for lasting change.

Therapy Options for Addiction: DBT

Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is another effective addition to the range of therapy options for addiction. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has been adapted for use with people struggling with substance use disorders.

Focus on Skills and Emotional Regulation

DBT emphasizes skill-building, particularly in the area of emotion regulation. People with addiction often struggle to manage difficult emotions.

This can lead to cravings and relapse. DBT teaches them practical skills to: ⁵

Identify and understand their emotions
Tolerate distress in healthy ways without resorting to substance use
Communicate effectively to get their needs met in relationships
Maintain healthy relationships despite strong emotions

DBT for Addiction Recovery

By equipping people with these skills, DBT helps them develop a toolbox for managing their emotions and navigating challenging situations. This can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and promote long-term recovery.

AM Behavioral Health recognizes the value of DBT in addiction treatment and incorporates its principles into various treatment programs.

Therapy Options for Addiction: Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a unique approach that combines medications with behavioral therapy to address addiction.⁶

It’s important to note that MAT is not a standalone treatment, but rather one of several valuable therapy options for addiction offered at AM Behavioral Health.

How Does MAT Work?

Medications used in MAT work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use. This allows people to focus on the therapeutic aspects of treatment. MAT may make it twice as likely for people to stay in treatment.⁷

There are three main FDA-approved medications used in MAT for addiction:

Buprenorphine: This medication partially activates opioid receptors in the brain. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same intense high as other opioids.
Methadone: A longer-acting medication that can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is often dispensed at specialized clinics due to regulations.
Naltrexone: This medication blocks the effects of opioids, preventing people from feeling the pleasurable effects of the drug.

Benefits of MAT

MAT medications can significantly lessen the intensity of cravings, making it easier for people to resist substance use. By managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, MAT can help people stay engaged in treatment for longer periods.

Studies show that MAT, when combined with therapy, can significantly improve long-term recovery outcomes.⁸

Who Can Benefit from MAT?

MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Its effectiveness depends on the person and the specific substance they are struggling with, as it’s currently only used to treat alcohol and opioid use.

AM Behavioral Health’s team of medical professionals will work with each person to determine if MAT is suitable for their treatment plan.

Healing Past Wounds: Trauma-Focused Therapy Options for Addiction Recovery

Many people struggling with addiction have also experienced trauma in their lives. For example, around 40% of those who have experienced trauma have also exhibited alcohol dependence.⁹

Trauma can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. These overwhelming emotions can lead people to use substances as a way to numb the pain or escape difficult memories.

Traumatic events can profoundly impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being. This can sometimes lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. AM Behavioral Health recognizes this connection and offers trauma-focused therapies as part of our comprehensive range of therapy options for addiction.

Trauma-Focused Therapy Approaches

Trauma-focused therapies aim to help people process and heal from past traumatic experiences. This can involve:

Learning healthy coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions in a healthy way
Processing traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment
Developing a sense of empowerment and control over their lives

By addressing the underlying trauma, trauma-focused therapies can significantly reduce cravings and relapse risk, promoting long-term recovery. AM Behavioral Health’s team of mental health professionals can integrate trauma-focused approaches into individual or group therapy sessions.

The Power of Support: Family Therapy Options for Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a disease that often impacts not only the person struggling with it but also their loved ones.¹⁰

AM Behavioral Health recognizes the importance of a strong support system in recovery and offers family therapy as one of its valuable therapy options for addiction.

Why Involve Family in Recovery?

Family members can play a crucial role in supporting a person’s journey toward recovery.

Family therapy provides a safe space for open communication and allows loved ones to:

Learn about addiction and its effects on the family dynamic
Develop healthy communication skills to express concerns and offer support in a constructive way
Set boundaries to promote healthy relationships during recovery
Learn coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and triggers associated with addiction

Family therapy can also help identify and address unhealthy family dynamics that may have contributed to or been affected by addiction. Therapists can guide families in recognizing codependent behaviors and develop healthier patterns of interaction.

Education and Support for Families

Family therapy doesn’t just focus on the person in recovery. Therapists at AM Behavioral Health also provide education and support for families. This may involve learning about relapse prevention strategies and developing skills to navigate challenging situations.

Family therapy can improve a person’s chances of long-term recovery by fostering healthy communication and understanding within the family unit. AM Behavioral Health is committed to providing comprehensive treatment that includes the family as an essential part of addiction recovery.

Finding Strength in Numbers: Peer Support Group Therapy Options for Addiction Treatment

Addiction can be an isolating experience. Feelings of shame, secrecy, and judgment can make it difficult to reach out for help. AM Behavioral Health recognizes the power of connection and offers group therapy as one of the valuable therapy options for addiction.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions bring together people on the same journey of recovery. This shared experience can provide a powerful sense of connection and belonging.

In group therapy, people can:

Learn from each other’s experiences

Gain valuable insights and strategies for coping with cravings and triggers

Offer and receive support from their peers in a safe and understanding environment

Reduce isolation and shame by knowing they’re not alone in their struggles

Develop social and communication skills necessary for building healthy relationships in recovery

The Power of Peer Support

Group therapy can also serve as a gateway to connect with peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups offer ongoing support and accountability for people in long-term recovery.

At AM Behavioral Health, group therapy sessions are facilitated by experienced therapists who guide discussions and ensure a safe space for open communication.

By fostering a supportive community within group therapy sessions, people can develop a strong network of peers who understand their struggles and can offer encouragement throughout their recovery journey.

Recreational Therapy Options for Addiction Treatment

Sometimes, therapy doesn’t look like sitting in a room talking about problems. AM Behavioral Health recognizes the value of enjoyment and play in the healing process. That’s why we offer recreational therapy as one of our unique therapy options for addiction.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational therapy uses a variety of leisure activities to address a person’s physical, emotional, and social needs. These activities can be anything from art and music to sports and games.

In addiction recovery, recreational therapy aims to:¹¹

Improve mood and motivation: Engaging in enjoyable activities can help people feel more positive and motivated to continue their recovery efforts.

Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Recreational activities can provide a healthy outlet for stress and negative emotions, reducing the risk of relapse.

Build social skills: Taking part in group recreational activities can help people develop communication and teamwork skills and foster a sense of connection with others.

Promote physical well-being: Certain recreational activities can improve physical fitness and coordination and provide a sense of accomplishment.

More Than Just Fun and Games

Recreational therapists carefully select activities tailored to each person’s interests and needs. These activities are not just meant to be fun; they are strategically chosen to address specific treatment goals.

By including recreational therapy as one of our therapy options for addiction, AM Behavioral Health helps people rediscover the joy of participation and build a healthier relationship with leisure activities. This can be a powerful tool for relapse prevention and long-term recovery.

Finding the Path to Healing with AM Behavioral Health

As we’ve explored, there’s a wide range of therapy options for addiction recovery, each offering unique benefits.

From CBT, which helps people challenge negative thought patterns, to trauma-focused therapies that address the root causes of addiction, AM Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive approach to treatment.

This variety of therapy options for addiction is coupled with AM Behavioral Health’s commitment to personalized care. But, what really makes us stand out is our team of professionals who are committed to each of our clients and will be there to support each step of the way.

Contact AM Behavioral Health Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, AM Behavioral Health can help — even if you’ve previously undergone treatment without long-term success.

We’ll meet you where you’re at in your recovery journey and give you the tools needed for sustainable healing. Find the right therapy options for addiction for you.

"Confidentiality prohibits us from discussing specific patient cases, but I can provide a general example of how we approach challenging addiction cases at AM Behavioral Health. In such cases, we typically take a multidisciplinary approach, involving psychiatrists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to conduct a thorough assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan often includes a combination of evidence-based therapies, medication management, and support services to address the unique needs and challenges of the individual. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are made as needed to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient."

Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S Tweet

Reach out to our team today and take the first step toward healing. Call us at 937-236-1800 or reach out online to discuss therapy options for addiction and answer any questions. Recovery is possible with the right support and personalized treatment plan.

"At AM Behavioral Health, we measure the success of addiction treatment through a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Quantitative measures may include tracking reductions in substance use, improvements in physical health, and changes in medication adherence. Qualitative indicators involve assessing improvements in mental health, quality of life, and functioning in daily activities. For long-term recovery, we focus on indicators such as sustained abstinence, relapse prevention skills, social support networks, and overall well-being."

Dr. Rachel Costello, Ph.D., MS, LPCC-S Tweet