Being able to kick your addiction is an important achievement. It is something to be proud of and although you are not entirely out of the woods yet, you can still say that you did it. After detoxing and rehab, the next big step is therapy or counseling. It is also the part where many former users fail to finish. Now if you are someone who just got out of rehab and is considering this next step, then it is important that you know what options there are and why you should go through with it.
What is Therapy?
As a science-proven process, therapy helps an individual understand how their mind works. It also helps one to navigate feelings, process better behaviors, and relate thoughts in a different way so they can live the life they want. There are many therapies used for counseling newly rehabilitated patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, works with an individual to set goals, track their progress, and measure results so they can teach the skills needed to build better emotions in order for them to manage on their own. In short, therapy seeks to train individuals to manage their thoughts and feelings to they can function as normal individuals again. It is a high-value process but a temporary investment to oneself.
Why Do You Need Therapy?
Any substance can form more than just physical dependence for a person. This is why, even after going through detox, when the body is clean and no longer hooked on substances, there is still a risk that they can fall into relapse. Not only that, there are plenty of social and psychological factors that could trigger a person to use substances once again. This is why any recovering addict needs therapy, even after a successful detox. Here are some of the most common triggers that could lead you to relapse:
- Stress at work, school or home
- Environment or location that could remind you of your past drug use
- Social settings like spending time with friends who are drug users
These factors can create a strong sense of urgency for a person to use substances again and therapy can help them avoid these cravings. It can also help them manage their lives without the need to use substances.
Individual Therapy or Group Therapy?
There are plenty of ways to get therapy; you can either choose to do individual or as a group. Individual is helpful, but the only downside to that is that you are dealing with this on your own. Whereas in a group therapy setting, you can be supported by peers who are also in the same situation as you are in and be challenged to do better. There is accountability if you are in group therapy, plus having a group who supports each other in times of need can be very helpful.
You can also choose to do a Twelve Step program that specializes in addiction recovery. However, these programs are generally not led by trained psychotherapists as there are people there only to assist you to go through your therapy.
Doing individual therapy can sometimes be uneventful. However, it is an ideal for those who are suffering from depression or bipolar disorder as well as other forms of mental health problems that require a more personal and secluded atmosphere.
Residential vs. Outpatient Treatment
You have the option of getting therapy in a special facility (residential) or get therapy as an outpatient. But which one will work for you?
Residential therapy is one where you are separated from the places and things that could trigger your substance use. You will be sent to a special facility where you undergo therapy for weeks or months, depending on how much is needed in your case. During this therapy, you will learn new skills that you can use to avoid using drugs and other substances as well as learning new habits that could teach you to lead a better life.
Outpatient programs, on the other hand, is a type of therapy where you can attend it for a few hours or even a whole day. This usually works as a group and in a more relaxed setting and are inexpensive compared to residential therapy programs.
So which one will work? it really depends on the individual and their needs. Both therapies can work as long as you stay committed. Types of Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT teaches you to recognize situations, thoughts, and moods that could trigger your drug use. Therapists will teach you how you can avoid these triggers and replace your negative thoughts with positive ones so you can stay clean even after therapy is done. The skills you learn during this therapy are ones that you can use for a lifetime. Training with a professional can be very helpful and can give you better results.
Motivational Interviewing
This method trains and motivates you to maintain your abstinence from drug use. If you are a person who gets pumped up to return to work or see your family, then this is the best kind of therapy to do.
Contingency Management Therapy
The goal of this type is to help you stay clean by giving you positive incentives. These could be gift checks or vouchers and other services. This is usually placed in a more rigid setting so people suffering from addiction can stay focused while doing therapy.
Family and Couples Therapy
When one is addicted to substances, the effect ripples through all aspects of their life, mainly family, friends, and loved ones. Everyone is affected, which is why you need them to help you out in this type of therapy. This method usually works with families, friends, or loved ones who want to see the addict get better; broken relationships will make this type of therapy more difficult.
In Closing
Getting therapy after rehabilitation may sound unnecessary, but if you are determined to stay clean and perform better as an individual then you must go through it. Keep in mind that it’s not easy to stay sober, so you need to strengthen yourself first before going back to a normal life. Therapy can help you with that, all you need to do is seek the help you want. Think of what a good life you will be leading in the future. If you don’t want to change, then it will not be successful. It’s all about mentality; if you want to see a change in your life, you’re going to need to change.
