The process of first identifying and then learning how to stop certain addictive behaviors can be an overwhelming and difficult task. But once you are able to come to terms with these behaviors by seeking the help of addiction treatment professionals, along with support groups, it can become a much more manageable task. 

With the right amount of support and guidance, you can address the root causes of your addictive tendencies and learn new and healthy ways to cope with the stress, anxiety and depression that is associated with them. One of the best techniques to help you with this, especially during drug or alcohol recovery, is Behavior Modification Therapy (BMT). 

In this blog post we will go over the main benefits of behavior modification therapy and why it makes an excellent tool during addiction recovery.

1. It Helps Patients Become More Aware of Their Addictive Behaviors

Behavior modification therapy is a type of psychotherapy that seeks to help patients become more aware of their addictive behaviors by using behavioral techniques. Some of these techniques include rewarding desired behaviors and punishing undesired behaviors. 

One advantage to this type of therapy is that it can be helpful for patients who are not ready or able to stop using drugs or alcohol altogether but would like to change their habits so they can avoid relapse. 

In addition, this individualized approach allows for treatments that are customizable to each patient’s needs. Behavior modification therapy has been shown to be an effective technique for treating addiction because it helps the individual break bad habits and replace them with good ones. This is typically done through gradual exposure, as well as, response prevention.

2. It Allows Patients to Learn New and Healthy Coping Mechanisms

A major reason that behavior modification therapy is so popular and effective for treating addiction, is that it allows patients to learn new and healthier coping mechanisms for certain situations and feelings.

It also encourages them to take more responsibility for their own actions and make better decisions going forward. 

A behavior modification therapist can then help the patient put those skills into practice by reinforcing their good choices with rewards (e.g., tokens) when they occur while simultaneously discouraging bad behaviors by removing rewards or imposing punishments (e.g., a verbal reprimand).

3. It Provides Patients with a Sense of Control over Their Own Recovery

Behavior modification therapy uses the principles of operant conditioning to teach patients new ways of behaving and thinking about their addiction. It also provides patients with a sense of control over their own recovery. 

A person’s environment can either support or sabotage their efforts to stay sober. Behavior modification therapists work with patients to develop skills that will allow them to engage with the world without having to turn to drugs or alcohol.

The goal is for patients to be able to choose which behaviors are healthy for them, instead of just trying not to drink or use drugs again. Patients who receive this form of counseling have better success rates than those who don’t.

4. It Can Be Used in Conjunction with Other Forms of Therapy

Behavior modification therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing behaviors that are deemed problematic and troublesome.

It can be used as a form of treatment for individuals who are struggling with addiction, or it can be incorporated into other forms of treatment to help reduce the symptoms and withdrawal effects. 

Behavior modification therapy has been shown to have several benefits for those struggling with addiction. Not only is the treatment relatively short and painless, but it also helps an individual learn how to make healthy choices. This type of therapy can also help an individual develop self-control and coping skills. With behavior modification therapy, there is little risk for relapse, which makes this a good option for those who are trying to maintain their sobriety for the long run. 

The only negative aspect of behavior modification therapy is that not everyone may respond well to this treatment technique. But if you feel like it could work for you then speak to your recovery center, like North Jersey Recovery Center, about incorporating it into your program.

5. It Can Be Adapted to Each Individual Patient’s Needs

Behavior modification therapy can be adapted to each individual patient’s needs. The therapist will work with the patient to identify the specific behaviors that need changing and then determine how they should be changed. 

This could mean identifying triggers for addictive behaviors and then developing a plan to avoid those situations or finding a new way to cope with them when they are encountered. It can also help patients identify barriers to seeking treatment, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, and develop coping skills for those issues.

Finally, behavior  modification therapy can address interpersonal relationships, for example with family members that may be affecting the patient’s ability to maintain sobriety. Traditional therapies focus on looking at the underlying reasons for substance abuse rather than what a person does when they are triggered into an addictive state.

When dealing with addiction, one has to deal with their feelings and thoughts about the drug and why they rely on it, rather than what they think about themselves while under the influence.

Maintain Your Sobriety For the Long Term With Behavior Modification Therapy at North Jersey Recovery Center

In order for an individual to maintain their sobriety, it’s important that they participate in ongoing support and counseling.

Behavior modification therapy can be a useful component of addiction treatment because it helps patients to better cope with the stressors that may trigger cravings. This type of therapy can also teach patients how to avoid these triggers before they become an issue. North Jersey Recovery center provides BMT to its patients to aid in the addiction recovery process. 

Contact North Jersey Recovery Center today to learn more about how behavior modification therapy may be able to help you on your path towards maintaining your sobriety.