Many types of therapies for substance abuse exist that can successfully treat addiction. Usually a combination of treatments can help lead to the best chance for success in achieving sobriety. However, individual therapy is generally an integral part of the process.
Creating a private environment where a patient and therapist have consistent one-on-one time gives the patient the opportunity to truly address the mental layer of their addiction. It creates a level of comfort for the patient knowing they can express their deepest thoughts and feelings without risking judgement from their peers. As a result, a patient might be inclined to share more in their individual sessions than in a group setting, leading to a better chance at breakthroughs throughout addiction recovery.
During sessions, patients are given the opportunity to feel seen and heard, while in a group setting they might feel lost in the environment of others. While information shared in group environments is supposed to be confidential, not all addicts will trust their peers. On the other hand, medical professionals are legally bound to keep information about their patients private.
Individual therapy also provides an opportunity for a patient to foster their social skills. Therapists can help guide and control a conversation with a patient to effectively help them create a better comfort level when interacting with peers, while also teaching self-awareness.
In many cases, someone who struggles with substance addiction also has at least one co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Either the disorder developed as a result of the substance use or substances have been used in an effort to help manage a disorder. Speaking to a therapist will help the patient identify the specific causes that led to addiction. Once the motivating factors are examined and analyzed, a therapist can provide tools necessary for a patient to help control their addiction and successfully complete recovery.
Additionally, a therapist can be viewed by a patient as one of their strongest supporters and best resources throughout recovery. By providing ongoing advice and guidance specific to the individual creates a better probability that a patient will complete their treatment program.
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Recovery Approaches in Individual Therapy
As recovery might not be a permanent solve for addiction, individual therapy can teach a patient effective decision-making strategies and coping skills that attempt to prevent a relapse.
During individual sessions, a therapist will likely help a patient:
Accept they have a problem: A therapist can successfully encourage their patient to come to terms with their addiction
Manage substance cravings: Decision-making skills and strategies can help the patient make positive lifestyle choices amidst cravings
Be motivated to complete recovery: A therapist’s support can encourage a patient to complete recovery even when faced with challenges
Help the patient commit to sobriety beyond recovery: Determine a post recovery plan that might include involvement in peer groups to help prevent a relapse
Throughout recovery, session frequency and length of sessions can vary depending upon the needs of the patient.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A key component of individual therapy usually includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. It is a proven method in psychotherapy that delves deeply into the emotions and motivations that caused addiction through the study of an individual’s learning processes. It can help chart the journey of what underlying causes led to the manifestation of certain addictive behaviors. Most importantly, it constructively provides an individual with the tools to help overcome the temptation to relapse by establishing a new way of thinking.
By exploring future potential scenarios, a therapist is able to help the patient:
Develop self control
Understand the lifestyle side effects associated with substance use
Identify triggers
Help manage situations where there could be a risk of relapse
CBT is effective because the skills learned can continue to benefit a patient far beyond recovery. By replacing thoughts that might lead to relapse with coping strategies and positivity, an individual can take control of their lives and have a better chance of overcoming addiction in the long run.
If you or a loved one are thinking of entering a recovery program, individual therapy will likely be a critical element that is incorporated into your treatment plan.