There are many different types of therapy services in addiction treatment offered. These different types of therapy can take place as one-on-one sessions or in group settings. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to the recovering individual, so the exact type of therapies used will vary.

Addiction is more than a physical dependence on a substance such as drugs or alcohol. Following detox, even when the physical dependence has subsided, you’re still at high risk for relapse. It is crucial to work through the roots of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms to address cravings.

Therapy helps the recovering individual to develop a toolkit of skills they can use to work through temptations, cravings, and any other feelings of unease. Certain psychological and social factors can trigger a relapse, such as:

• Stress in different areas of one’s life such as career and personal relationships
• Stimuli in the environment, like visiting a neighborhood that triggers a memory of using
• Social circles, such as spending time with friends who continue to misuse drugs or alcohol

These triggers can tempt an individual even after they’ve completed treatment. That’s why it’s important to set a plan in place that allows one to work through each trigger healthily and productively.

Therapy has many advantages that aid in a successful addiction recovery program. Different types of evidence-based therapy can be especially beneficial to individuals who struggle with co-occurring disorders. If you’re someone with a co-occurring disorder, you’ll most likely be given a dual diagnosis. This is when other mental health conditions are present alongside the addiction.

SAMHSA’s Treatment Improvement Protocol No.42 even recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy as an effective form of treatment for co-occurring disorders. CBT can specifically help those with co-occurring disorders by:

• Addressing distortions in thinking and teaching how to effectively work through them
• Helping the individual change any negative or self-defeating thoughts and behaviors
• Improving coping mechanisms
• Starting with mental health disorders as a foundation for developing treatment goals

Addiction treatment is generally made up of a combination of group and individual therapy sessions. These sessions are centered on teaching those in recovery the skills needed to get and stay sober as well as how to navigate different situations without turning to drugs or alcohol. Many different types of therapy can be used to work through these mental and emotional roots.

It is important to note that any co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety, will be addressed in therapy. Oftentimes, addiction is only one part of the problem. Recovering individuals may have a mental health disorder that coincides with the addiction. Treating both sides of the spectrum ensures a successful recovery.

Each member of our facility will receive a personalized treatment plan that incorporates a unique mix of therapies. Kindly see below for the different types of therapy used in addiction treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) utilizes behavioral therapies and prioritizes the discussion of thoughts and feelings. CBT emphasizes the notion that negative thinking patterns result in undesired feelings and habits and troublesome behaviors. The overall connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is the focal point of CBT.

During a CBT session, a therapist will act as a coach and mentor to discern and recognize the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with addiction. They’ll look for cognitive distortions that enable any toxic habits present in the recovering individual’s life. Cognitive distortions can be described as defective and unproductive ways of thinking that may seem rational, but are illogical and damaging.

Contingency Management (CM)

CM is another advantageous method that is used to treat several types of substance use disorders. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and stimulants addiction.CM is also used to encourage or reinforce sobriety. The basis of this therapy offers material rewards as motivation for positive behaviors, such as maintaining sobriety. These material rewards can include:

• Voucher-based reinforcement. The program rewards the client with a voucher for negative drug tests. The vouchers have a “trade-in” method where the recovering individual can exchange the voucher for certain items that support recovery. The value of the vouchers will start low but increase throughout recovery to reward the member for longer periods of being substance-free.
• Prize incentives. Instead of receiving vouchers, members of our facility are allowed to receive a prize for completing a clean drug test or attending treatment. The value of the prize will differentiate as the recovering individuals participate in the lottery system.
• Natural happenings. At times, reinforcements come naturally when one chooses to stay sober. These natural rewards can be a sense of accomplishment and confidence in making healthier decisions. These rewards can also show themselves as improvement in relationships with one’s partner, friends, or family. It can even result in an improvement in health. These natural reinforcements can have a powerful effect on recovering an individual’s motivation to stay sober.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a method used to motivate the individual in changing destructive behavior. MI is a patient-centered model of counseling, meaning that the focus is on figuring out what recovering individuals want, not what the therapist thinks is best for them. MI is a fairly simple process that essentially only takes a small number of sessions to complete. The typical steps are as follows:

• Engaging: Discussing issues, concerns, and hopes, and establishing a trusting relationship with the recovering individual.
• Focusing: Narrowing the conversation down to the patterns and habits the individual wants to change the most.
• Evoking: Encouraging the development of motivation from the individual by increasing the sense of the importance of change, confidence that change can occur, and readiness for change.
• Planning: Creating a set of realistic steps that the recovering individual can use to implement the desired changes.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), similar to CBT, is another method used in addiction treatment that is used to address many mental health disorders. These conditions include mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety-related disorders, and eating disorders. DBT is founded on the notion that mental health issues result from a mix of emotional vulnerability and invalidating environments.

Members in treatment receive a balance of validation/acceptance and encouragement to continue on a healthier path moving forward. DBT uses a specialized treatment that incorporates:

• Group therapy centered around building skills
• Individual therapy focusing on past traumas and current triggers
• Phone coaching that consists of treatment interventions between sessions

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, also referred to as REBT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is centered around altering an individual’s irrational beliefs. According to the REBT model, rational beliefs encourage functional thought and behavior patterns, which results in positive consequences. On the other hand, irrational beliefs lead to illogical and damaging thought and behavior patterns that result in negative consequences.

REBT helps recovering individuals actively address their irrational beliefs and replace them with rational beliefs that positively impact their emotional, behavioral, and thoughtful responses. Recognizing irrational beliefs starts with the act of becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions regarding the events that take place in your life.

The Matrix Model

The Matrix model helps individuals that are specifically recovering from a stimulant addiction such as methamphetamine or cocaine addiction. This model utilizes a variety of evidence-based methods that encourage relapse prevention. Also, the Matrix model supplements family therapy, education, and support group participation. Therapy sessions generally incorporate detailed worksheets or manuals for the patient to reference.

Besides, the counselor acts as a teacher and mentor, developing a positive relationship with the individual and promoting positive behavioral change. The therapist creates a space that promotes dignity and self-worth.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a service that combines multiple clinical therapies used to rebuild relationships and improve communication. This type of therapy is different from other forms of therapy because it doesn’t solely focus on the individual recovering from addiction.

Family dynamics may result in the children, siblings, or spouses requiring more attention during these sessions. Nonetheless, the ultimate goal is family harmony. Addressing family-rated issues and maintaining healthy relationships helps form stability in the recovering individual’s life.

Group Therapy

This type of therapy gathers a group of individuals that are going through addiction treatment to discuss challenges, triumphs, and unique perspectives. Group therapy is overseen by one or two licensed professionals.

The goal of group therapy is for individuals to share their own personal stories and learn that they are not alone in their struggle. People within the group should share similar struggles and be able to sympathize with each other. This dynamic helps create a support system for everyone involved.

12-Step Facilitation

12-Step facilitation is a method of therapy that has also become known as recovery meetings. These recovery meetings aim to encourage continued sobriety by engaging people in a structured program through peer support groups. Meetings are hosted by a variety of 12-Step fellowship varieties, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

There are faith-based meetings such as AA, as well as meetings with a more science-based approach, such as SMART recovery. There’s also a recovery meeting for every type of addiction. Some groups take place specifically for the loved ones surrounding a recovering individual.

These meetings are a key component of most treatment plans. The supportive community helps to build a sense of comradery and togetherness during the addiction recovery journey.

Our recovery center offers a variety of treatment services for a successful addiction recovery. After a thorough evaluation and consultation, we’ll form a treatment plan that’s personalized specifically for you. In addition to psychotherapy, we’ll also use methods, such as:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Family counseling
• Holistic therapies
• Life skills development

At North Jersey Recovery Center, we have many drug and alcohol treatment resources to help you with addiction recovery. Our team of dedicated counselors, psychologists, and other licensed medical professionals are eager to help you get sober and find fulfillment in your life again. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here.