Our culture supports people going to detox or rehab, thinking this is the cure. Really, it’s just one part of the process for some people.
Addiction is a chronic disease that needs ongoing maintenance just like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma. Studies show that individuals who receive follow-through care are more likely to maintain sobriety, and those attending group therapy—both peer support groups and professionally-led groups—have the greatest chance of success.
Therapy is part of an overall wellness program that can happen with or without going to rehab.
It helps individuals in recovery:
- Explore their issues around use to determine if they have a substance use disorder
- Learn skills that will help them avoid or reduce relapses
- Uncover and address underlying behavioral health issues like trauma, depression or anxiety
- Address the consequences of their use as well as everyday life in new, healthier ways than how they did in the past
What are some of the skills people in recovery can learn in therapy?
- Recognize and change negative thinking
- Avoid high-risk situations
- Identify ways they can cope when can’t avoid a high-risk situation
- Learn new methods to unwind and relax, i.e. meditation, breathing techniques, exercise, etc.
- Create strategies that tap into their motivation for staying in recovery
- Identify recovery-friendly activities that include recovery-friendly people
Do individuals need to ask for a specific type of therapy or therapist to address addiction issues?
Although many different clinicians can provide therapy, I recommend working with a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) or a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). The requirements for this certification are quite extensive and include a great deal of training. These alcohol and drug counselors can draw from a range of therapies and experience so they can create a program that works best for each individual to meet personal goals.
Which is More Beneficial? Individual or Group Sessions?
Research has found that both individual and group sessions are highly beneficial. In individual therapy, the counselor acts more like a coach or personal trainer to help the individual use personal strengths to create a new life and manage the anxiety that comes with learning to live without the substance. Therapy would also address any behavioral health issues that are uncovered.
Although group therapy might sound intimidating, most individuals really enjoy group because everyone is facing the same types of challenges. It’s very affirming to know you’re not alone.
Where does Pine Rest offer therapy?
We offer individual, and group therapy to address substance use issues and addiction as well as family therapy in several of our Michigan clinics and through telehealth services.
Is teletherapy for addiction as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes! Teletherapy fills a gap for people who have a hard time getting to a clinic for in-person treatment … whether that’s an issue with transportation, work schedule, childcare, illness, or a random snowstorm.
Many of our patients and counselors using teletherapy were a little hesitant at first when it was a new service. But many have really enjoyed it. They’ve said that once their session was underway, they nearly forgot they weren’t in the same room.
Teletherapy makes it possible for some people to attend therapy … something they wouldn’t have been able to do without this option.
