Addiction Counseling: How Therapy Can Help
Published:
Oct 14, 2024
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08:28 a.m.
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Addiction counseling can play a crucial role in recovery. It can help treat substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Addiction counseling was used to treat just substance abuse, but that’s not the case anymore.
This type of therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals, whether in person or at home. Individuals undergoing addiction counseling will discover the root causes of their addiction, learn healthy coping methods, and support long-term recovery. In this article, you'll explore addiction counseling, the benefits, and the various types of therapy.
What is addiction counseling?
Addiction counseling is a specialized therapy that helps individuals with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. A licensed counselor can help you identify your harmful thought patterns, behaviors, and triggers. Addiction counseling includes both individual sessions and group therapy. From there, you will learn healthier coping strategies.
This type of therapy combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and holistic approaches. This provides a more tailored form of treatment that's focused on the individual rather than the addiction. It helps individuals improve their mental health and achieve sobriety.
Which addictions can counseling help treat?
Counseling treats a wide variety of behavioral and substance abuse addictions. Examples of behavioral addictions are compulsive shopping, gambling, and internet addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals rewire their brains and understand the patterns that lead to their addictions. They'll have more control over their impulses and desires.
Substance abuse addictions involve drugs, alcohol, and prescription medication. Licensed therapists uncover the psychological reasonings behind substance abuse. Counseling can provide coping mechanisms, prevention strategies, and support. It's critical for individuals who are struggling with addiction and are seeking long-term recovery.
Birches Health offers addiction counseling. The recovery process starts with a self-assessment. From there, individuals will receive a diagnosis and individualized treatment that takes place virtually. The benefit of virtual treatment is that it's affordable and accessible.
There's no need to schedule appointments in the office. Individuals can receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes. They will also receive a personalized form of treatment that focuses on the causes of their addiction and goals rather than the addiction itself.
This offers a more comprehensive form of treatment that includes therapy, self-help support groups, and medication, if necessary.
In-person counseling vs. virtual teletherapy
Virtual teletherapy increased in popularity after 2020. It's considered an affordable and convenient alternative to in-person therapy, and some individuals might find that it offers a sense of privacy.
Conversely, in-person visits can provide intimacy that can't be achieved virtually. In-person therapy can also allow counselors to pick up nonverbal behavior. However, there can be limited options and longer waiting periods due to a lack of availability.
Benefits of virtual counseling for addiction
Virtual counseling can help individuals receive treatment for various disorders. These sessions help individuals understand why addiction occurs. They'll learn a new lifestyle and coping techniques to recover from it. Virtual counseling is beneficial for both substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
Birches Health also offers virtual treatment. This type of therapy works around the individual's schedule. They can schedule sessions around school, work, and other responsibilities. Birches has access to counselors who are licensed and experienced in treating various addictions.
Is virtual counseling for addiction as effective as in-person?
Yes, virtual counseling can be just as effective as in-person counseling. It can help treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One study involving 12 trials found that virtual counseling was as effective as in-person therapy for treating these mental health conditions.
What types of therapy are used in addiction counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are used in addiction counseling. First, cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals understand the negative thought patterns and actions that lead to their addiction. Meanwhile, motivational interviewing provides a sense of support and community throughout the recovery process.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that helps individuals change how they think and behave. It's based on the idea that people can change their reactions to their feelings and situations. It also helps individuals understand the reactions that lead to their addictions. They'll change their behavior and develop self-help strategies.
What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a common counseling method. It helps individuals understand their behavior by focusing on their motivation. This therapy method uses a combination of empathy and open-ended questions to help individuals make positive changes. It's typically used to treat substance abuse disorders, but it can also help with behavioral disorders and mental health conditions.
