The Benefits of an Addiction Therapist in The Treatment Process

Addiction counselors hold an intrinsic and essential role in the treatment team of a drug and alcohol rehab program. Without the help of an addiction therapist, treatment would only touch the superficial aspects of the substance use disorder, those things you can see with your eyes. In order to delve into the possible drivers of the addictive behaviors, targeted psychotherapy along with group therapy help identify causal factors—such as trauma, mental health disorders, grief and loss, for example—that can be parsed out and treated.

The important skills of an addiction therapist Los Angeles are powerful tools that can help show the individual struggling with substance abuse and addiction how the painful deep-seated issues can be resolved. Offering someone a new way of thinking about and responding to certain triggers that have held power over their subsequent behaviors is one of the most effective skills therapists provide for a successful recovery.

Psychological and Social Factors Addressed by Addiction Therapist

The most challenging aspect of addiction therapy is not getting the person off drugs and/or alcohol, but the identify and make productive changes in the factors that threaten recovery. Many who battle addictions have used the substance to soothe emotional discomforts caused by psychological and social factors. These root causes, which contribute to subsequent compulsive substance use, must be addressed and treated if therapy is to be successful.

An effective addiction therapist understands how stress, difficult relationships, social influences, and emotional strife can quickly undo the efforts to become sober and lead to relapse. Arming their patients with new coping skills and interpersonal tools is key to a sustained recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Addiction Therapists

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term and highly effective therapy that is used widely in addiction treatment. A CBT therapist will meet one-on-one with the client to guide them through the process of identifying the thoughts, moods, and situations that can result in them using a substance as a coping mechanism. Once the root triggers of the using behavior are examined, the therapist will show the client how to change the thought and behavior patterns towards positive, productive ones.

CBT skills, once adopted and practiced, can assist the individual for a lifetime, not only in avoiding drugs and alcohol but also useful in situations that may come up in other areas of life. With CBT tools, instead of a substance being the reflexive response to a difficult person or dilemma, rational, healthy responses will be. CBT coping skills also help build a strong relapse prevention blueprint.

The Roles of Group Therapy and Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Addiction therapists serve in many capacities in addition to individual counseling. Group therapy and family therapy are two very effective therapeutic settings that allow the therapist to observe the client’s social dynamics and communication style. During group sessions, peers discuss a topic presented by the therapist, who will guide and moderate the discussion. The peer session is important in early recovery, providing both social support and fraternal correction when needed.

Family relationships can be a primary source of both loving support and serious challenges. A family therapist can identify dysfunctional behaviors among family members and help make productive changes, especially with regard to communication techniques. Helping the family restore trust with the addicted family member is a vital role of the family therapist, which involves making amends and steps that demonstrate trustworthiness.

Advanced Therapeutic Services Provides Effective Addiction Therapists in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City

Advanced Therapeutic Services is an intensive outpatient program located in Rancho Mirage, California. ATS provides CBT, an evidence-based therapy that helps clients change their disordered thoughts and behaviors that fuel addictive behaviors, replacing them with new, healthy responses. ATS clinical team includes master level therapists, a physician, and licensed counselors to help guide you or your loved one to a healthy, productive life. For more information about our program, contact ATS Admissions today at (760) 349-7007.