The impacts of drug and alcohol abuse are far-reaching. Not only does it take its toll on the mind and body, but addiction also negatively impacts interpersonal relationships with friends and family.
One way to combat the destructive effects of addiction is to implement therapy in substance abuse recovery. Therapy helps people seek answers from within to discover what is driving the addiction so that they can overcome their substance dependence. With the right approach, a person can use therapy to overcome their addiction and lead a productive, healthy life, free of substance abuse.
A therapist is a psychologist or licensed professional who counsels people through their journey of recovery. They help to identify existing problems their patients face and discover what goals the individual wants to achieve. From there, they can combine the patient’s needs, abilities, and expectations into a clear strategy for therapy in recovery.
Therapy engages people in their journey to substance abuse recovery. To achieve success, those suffering from substance abuse have to take control of their actions and play a role in the process of overcoming their addiction. Therapy also incentivizes sobriety. Whether it’s the goal of achieving a physical reward or simply the promise of a healthier lifestyle, therapy in substance abuse recovery is an effective motivator.
Therapy helps to raise awareness about the effects of substance abuse and change people’s perceptions of drug and alcohol use. Above all, therapy instills life lessons and skills, so people are better equipped to handle the anxiety, stress, and risky situations they’re likely to experience
during recovery. Therapy doesn’t solve substance abuse, but it does provide people with the tools they need to overcome it on their own terms.
When engaged in therapy, individuals recovering from substance abuse can enjoy a safe environment to confront their fears, share their concerns, and face their true selves while learning to cope with the feelings surrounding their situation. Many addicts feel disconnected from their friends and family, from whom they may have become estranged throughout their addiction. Therapy gives people a chance to rebuild trust, boost their confidence, and help them rediscover a positive outlook on life.
This is essential to the success of long-term recovery. When people feel supported, are equipped with the tools they need to work through their problems, and can see a positive and hopeful future, they are more likely to overcome their addiction and lead a happy, healthy life. Therapy generally has a longer-lasting impact than medications, therefore making it a practical and useful tool in long-term substance abuse recovery.
Types of Therapy and How They Help
There are various types of therapy in long-term recovery to help people work through their addiction. Each has its own benefits, and as a result, these types can either be used individually or combined to create a road to recovery that works best for the needs of each person’s circumstances. Common types of therapy include:
A group of people led by a facilitator meet to discuss their individual situations and help each other work through their issues. This therapy is beneficial because it builds communication skills, encourages socialization, and enables people to learn how to express themselves. It also teaches individuals to accept criticism and develop self-awareness by hearing from people with similar backgrounds.
Used in private and group settings, this therapy helps people reflect on the feelings, behaviors, and thoughts they have about themselves and their surroundings. Addicts can sometimes have warped perceptions of reality that are unhealthy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people challenge those perceptions and beliefs to see things how they really are.
Many people who attend therapy are their own most significant obstacles. This therapy type is a partnership between the patient and the therapist, who uses a direct approach to guide the recovering addict toward changing the behaviors that are keeping them from success.
Addicts aren’t the only ones impacted by substance abuse. Family members often struggle watching their loved ones decline in health, happiness, and success. Family therapy offers support for everyone who has been impacted by drugs and alcohol. It addresses relational issues and expands the support system for the recovering addict, helping to improve the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Whether a person is in need of an intervention or has acknowledged that they’re ready to overcome their substance abuse, therapy and sobriety require professional help. Therapists today have a better understanding of the effects of drug and alcohol use on the mind and body. As a result, they have the insight needed to successfully address addiction and help people return to a happy, healthy life.
Mental Health
A relationship with a supportive therapist that helps a patient truly feel heard can help build self-esteem and improve social functioning. Talking through problems, identifying motivators, and mapping out coping strategies help people sort through their feelings and their thoughts. This reduces anxiety and helps improve overall mental health.
Improved Work Ethic
With a renewed sense of energy and a boost of self-confidence, people recovering from addiction may also find a new level of appreciation and excitement for the job they hold. Greater focus and clarity enables people to fulfill their role more effectively and successfully, leading to positive feedback on the job and a sense of accomplishment in helping their team meet their work goals.
Physical Health
A body that overcomes addiction is healthier, stronger, and has more energy. This means you can be more active, which improves your fitness and helps your body maintain a healthy weight. It also reduces the risk of disease and leads to a more productive, proactive lifestyle.
Strengthened Relationships
Substance abuse is a leading cause of marital problems. So often, addiction leads to secrecy, mistrust, and disconnections between people. Therapy can help couples and families work through their conflicts together, which helps to rebuild those relationships and strengthen new bonds. Honest, open conversations can help people overcome their past and look ahead to a brighter future.
Each of these benefits is reason enough to consider therapy in substance abuse recovery. But above all, the combination of these leads to a happier, healthier life driven by purpose and a renewed sense of self.
Change Your Life for the Better
Ethos Recovery provides the support that people in recovery need to achieve long-term sobriety. An all-male community in recovery, we promote camaraderie, accountability, and character development to empower residents to change their lives for the better.