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Therapy is an integral part of treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction is a complex neuropsychological disorder that can impact nearly every area of a person’s life, including their mental health, physical well-being, personal relationships, and livelihood. According to an annual report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), appro... more
Created by Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs are support groups that help people recover from substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, and a variety of emotional and mental health conditions. This approach can help individuals who are struggling with a substance use disorder develop new coping skills that assist them with abstinence from drugs and alcohol. ... more
Treatment for substance use disorders comes in many formats, serving as a way to meet people where they are. Some people need counseling support to maintain a sober lifestyle. Others benefit from 12-step groups. And for many, the recovery journey begins with more intensive care in the form of inpatient drug rehab. What is Inpatient Drug Rehab? Inpatient addiction treatment is... more
Rehab is a course of treatment designed to treat drug and alcohol addiction. Rehab programs take place at a residential facility or an outpatient clinic. With over 10% of people who drink alcohol reporting an alcohol use disorder and 4% of the population with a drug use disorder, the need for rehab and the choice of treatment centers is vast. If you have the means, you may wish... more
A dual diagnosis is a mental health condition and drug or alcohol addiction that occurs at the same time. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that people with a mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those who do not have a mental illness. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2018 found that app... more
Individual therapy for addiction treatment is a form of psychotherapy in which an individual works one-on-one with a therapist. Also known as psychosocial therapy, talk therapy, or counseling; individual therapy is an important component of a well-rounded addiction treatment program. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individual... more
Group therapy is a specific form of psychotherapy that is provided by one or more therapists, to a group of people, at the same time. Studies show that when administered properly, group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy. The guiding principle of group therapy for substance abuse is “power in numbers.” The ultimate goal of group therapy is to create a sens... more
Experiential therapy is a form of psychotherapy where patients use expressive tools to heal past traumas. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body and having clients fully immerse themselves in hands-on activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. Through activities such as art-making, participating in outdoor activiti... more
One of the most challenging times for someone recovering from drug or alcohol addiction is when they leave a residential treatment center and head back to their daily life. Without the supervision and structure of a treatment program, a person in recovery can be tempted to return to old habits. The risk of relapse is particularly high in the first few months following treatment... more
Relapse occurs when someone retakes a substance after a period of abstinence. Often this involves one or more substances to which they are addicted. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. Relapse is an intrinsic part of what it means to have an ... more
With more than 20 million people in the U.S. having a substance use disorder, drug and alcohol addiction affects many people’s lives. One 2017 study found that nearly half of all Americans (46%) have a family member or close friend who is currently, or has been previously, addicted to drugs. Living with an addict can be challenging and upsetting. Still, friends and family pla... more
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that stems from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). While initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and suicidal thoughts, DBT is shown to be effective in treating substance abuse disorders and a range of mental health conditions. Dialectical Behavioral T... more
More than 20 million people in the U.S. have a substance use disorder, but fewer than 20% of those people are receiving substance abuse treatment.1.2 Individuals with a substance use disorder can be reluctant to seek help for many reasons. Often, they won’t seek treatment until their loved ones stage an intervention. Family and friends may find it necessary to intervene i... more
Suboxone: The Buprenorphine and Naloxone Combination Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. When taken as directed as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, it relieves opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings, which in turn helps reduce the likelihood of relapse. A 2017 study found that Suboxone lowers the risk of fatal ov... more
Equine-Assisted therapy (EAT) is a highly specialized form of experiential therapy that involves working in collaboration with a horse, a therapist, and in some cases, a certified horse handler or equine expert. The term encompasses a range of therapeutic modalities that involve activities with horses and other equines which are designed to promote physical and mental health. ... more
According to an annual report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders in 2017. However, only 2.5 million people in the United States received treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. In addition to treating drug and alcohol abuse, addiction treatment progra... more
Drug Use and Addiction in Teens In 2018, The United Nations reported that around 269 million people used drugs. This was a 30% increase in 2009, and just as concerning, adolescents and young adults accounted for the largest share of users. Using drugs is commonplace, and for many people, substance use starts with adolescent experimentation. Often it is viewed as an inevitable ... more
Substance abuse often leads to physical dependence on alcohol or drugs. This means the person will experience a physical reaction (withdrawal symptoms) if they stop using the drug. At this point, detox is a necessary first step for recovery from addiction. Detox is the process of purging the body of addictive substances. During detox treatment, professionals help individuals... more
Addiction is a chronic, but treatable neuropsychological disorder defined by the intense urge to engage in certain behaviors. Over time, repetitive use of drugs and alcohol can alter brain function in ways that increase cravings and weaken self-control. These changes take place over time and can lead to unhealthy thought and behavior patterns, including the persistent impulse t... more
For many people, embarking on rehabilitation is a necessary but daunting experience. Not only do they not know what to expect, but they can be concerned about the costs involved and that they will spiral out of control. Worries about how to pay for addiction treatment can be one of the primary reasons someone does not seek the help they need. The National Institutes of Health (... more
Important LGBTQ Resources for Addiction and Mental Health Substance abuse and addiction rates in the LGBTQ+ community are higher than in any other sector of society. Societal stigma, discrimination, mental and physical abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders are just a few of the unique substance abuse triggers among this population. That is why LGBTQ resources are vit... more
Holistic rehabilitation is a form of addiction treatment that is focused on treating the patient as a whole - mentally, physically, and spiritually. Holistic addiction treatment centers use alternative medicine and holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy. These can often be paired with traditional treatment methods for a complete mind an... more