Like other chronic illnesses, addiction is a disease that can be managed successfully. Seeking treatment is the best way for you, or someone you know, to begin the recovery process. Treatment enables substance abusers to counteract the disruptive effects that drugs or alcohol have had on the brain and manage cravings. The range of treatment options includes group counseling, addiction therapy, and out/inpatient programs. Every addiction is unique and requires specialized treatment, so it’s best to receive professional advice on what treatment is right for you.

A substance abuse disorder is more than a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. It involves chemical changes in the brain that can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and cognition. An addiction can be brought on by anything from genetics to early exposure at a young age and can be difficult to quit, especially for long-term abusers. Even after the initial decision to quit, the effect of substance abuse can thereafter lead to emotional impairment and difficulty resisting triggers, or relapsing. When you’ve decided to quit, it’s important to have resources available to help you return to your daily life, substance-free.

 What is Addiction Therapy?

 Addiction therapy is an important resource that can be started at any point in the recovery process. It refers to the wide range of interventions or counseling options that address patterns of drug or alcohol abuse in users. Some therapy options address the addiction directly by providing coping mechanisms to help with potential triggers or a relapse. In most cases, counseling is centered on helping the patient create prevention strategies and cope with the physical and emotional changes the individual is struggling through.

 Research shows that the earlier an addict seeks some form of addiction counseling, the more powerful it will be. Regardless of when you begin counseling, the impact and transformative effects will come. Counseling gives you the tools that you need to fight your addiction and live drug or alcohol-free. It lies at the root of all substance abuse treatment programs and can be the support you need to withstand the long-lasting effects that substance abuse can have, even years after you quit.

 Other Forms of Substance Abuse Treatment

Along with individual therapy, group counseling is an indispensable tool for substance abuse, and even mental health treatment. Group therapy aims to reduce symptoms and aid recovery in a group setting with others experiencing the same symptoms. In many cases, it can be just as effective as individual therapy. In more severe cases, your doctor or counselor may recommend an inpatient or outpatient program. Inpatient programs require patients to check themselves into a controlled, supervised environment to overcome their addictions. Patients stay at a clinic with 24-hour medical and emotional support. Outpatient programs typically require 10-12 hours a week spent visiting a local treatment center. Both programs focus on drug abuse education, counseling, and teaching patients to cope without drugs or alcohol.

Relapse & Therapy

 When a person experiences a relapse, he or she may assume that treatment isn’t working. This isn’t usually the case. When a person recovering from addiction relapses, it indicates that the person needs to speak with their doctor or counselor to modify their treatment plan. Relapse is incredibly common, so common that studies show nearly half of all people relapse after completing treatment. If you are receiving treatment for addiction, it’s important to remember that relapse and recovery can occur together as part of the ongoing journey. The chances of relapse during and after treatment indicate that relapse is a normal part of recovery, not a failure in oneself or the treatment.

 I Think I Need Help, What Next?

At DiRoma Therapy, you’ll find a variety of addiction treatments available from individual counseling to interventions. If you’d like more information on addiction therapy and other treatment options, contact DiRoma Therapy today at (203) 667-7526. The recovery process isn’t meant to be done alone. Visit us online or give us a call today, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on the road to recovery

When Is It Time for Addiction Therapy?.

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