Therapy for Substance Abuse at Alpha Behavioral Health

Therapy for Substance Abuse at Alpha Behavioral Health

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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2022, 17.3% of the US population aged 12 and up struggled with substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction is, unfortunately, a common issue that affects individuals and their families in detrimental ways. However, there are options available for getting help with substance abuse. Alpha Behavioral Health offers therapeutic services and transitional living for people struggling with addiction. 

Our Evidence-Based Approach to Treating Substance Abuse

Alpha Behavioral Health uses evidence-based approaches to substance abuse therapy, focusing on addressing both alcohol and drug addiction. Our team of skilled mental health professionals utilizes proven techniques to help clients overcome their struggles with SUD.

When you choose us for your recovery journey, you’ll work closely with a dedicated mental health counselor who tailors treatment plans to your specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective care for your unique situation. We strive to address both the addiction itself and any underlying mental health issues. Your counselor and care team will provide guidance throughout the treatment process, making sure that you and your family are always informed about your treatment.

The evidence-based methods used at Alpha Behavioral Health have been rigorously tested and proven effective in treating substance abuse. These techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and psychotherapy, among others. Your journey to recovery is supported by a comprehensive team of health professionals who collaborate to provide holistic care. This integrated approach addresses not only your addiction but also your overall mental and physical well-being, setting you on the path to lasting recovery.

Supporting Clients and Families Through Group Therapy and Workshops

Group therapy sessions at Alpha Behavioral Health provide a supportive environment for you to connect with others facing similar challenges. During group therapy sessions, you can expect to listen to and interact with other clients as they share their thoughts and feelings about their recovery journey. You’ll also have a chance to share your own experience, which can be cathartic. You can gain valuable insights and coping strategies from peers while developing a strong support network for substance abuse.

Family workshops are available for clients and their loved ones. These workshops offer essential information and education to help your loved ones understand substance abuse and its impact on the whole family. The goal is to equip families with tools to support the recovery journey and improve communication within the family unit. You’ll participate in educational workshops that cover various aspects of addiction, recovery, and mental health. Communication and understanding within the family unit is vital for healthy, strong relationships.

Role Playing Exercises

During family workshops, you may participate in group activities and role-playing exercises. This gives you a chance to practice new communication techniques in a safe, controlled environment. We’ve found that this hands-on approach allows you to build confidence and develop healthier coping mechanisms for long-term recovery. 

Collaborative Therapy Techniques for Substance Abuse: MI and CBT

Motivational Interviewing (MI) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are key collaborative techniques used by our team of licensed professional counselors at Alpha Behavioral Health. These evidence-based approaches help you address substance dependence and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

If you and your therapist decide that MI is a good option for you, your counselor will guide you in exploring your motivations for change. This collaborative process helps you resolve ambivalence about your substance abuse and strengthens your commitment to recovery. CBT builds on this foundation by teaching you practical skills to identify and modify negative thought patterns. You’ll work with your mental health counselor to develop strategies for managing cravings, avoiding triggers, and pursuing life goals.

Setting Recovery Goals

Throughout your treatment, you’ll actively participate in setting recovery goals and developing your recovery plan. At Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe in this collaborative approach. Taking the reins in your treatment empowers you to take ownership of your recovery journey and builds the skills necessary for long-term success. Your therapist will provide you with information and guidance during the process.

Relapse Prevention Strategies for Long-Term Sobriety

During active addiction and throughout substance abuse treatment, your brain will undergo significant changes. This is a normal side-effect of heavy substance use and the eventual detox from those substances. It’s important to recognize these neurological shifts throughout the recovery journey so that you develop strategies to maintain long-term sobriety and prevent relapse. Working with a care team at Alpha Behavioral Health can guide you through these changes and help you understand their effects.

One of these changes may be that you find yourself craving substances, especially in the early stages of recovery. Cravings are normal and happen even to those who have been sober for years. You don’t have to be ashamed of them, and it is possible to control them. When you give into a craving and use substances after a period of intentional sobriety, this is called a relapse. Although relapsing may seem like you’re starting all over again in your recovery journey, try to think of it more as a bump in the road. Relapses are opportunities for reflection and growth. At the same time, there are strategies for avoiding relapse and maintaining long-term sobriety.

Participating in Group Psychotherapy Sessions

A great tool for relapse prevention is participation in group psychotherapy sessions or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These group-based sessions can help you build a strong support network and learn from others’ experiences. Talking to other people with SUD can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for maintaining sobriety in various situations. Support groups and group therapy can help you:

  • Identify triggers and high-risk situations
  • Develop healthy coping mechanisms
  • Build a support system
  • Practice stress management techniques

Individual therapy with a counselor who specializes in addiction recovery can also be a great place to learn relapse prevention techniques. Your therapist can help you identify personal triggers and practice reacting to them in real life. 

A Safe Environment for Life After Treatment

For life after treatment, it’s vital that you have a safe environment that is conducive to your continued recovery. That means that your home, whether you live alone or with others, is substance-free. Ideally, your home should also be as free of stressors and triggers as possible. This is something that you should address with your care team during treatment so that you can work together to support your sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Substance Abuse for Young Adults

How are the physical and psychological aspects of addiction addressed in treatment?

At Alpha Behavioral Health, substance abuse treatment addresses SUD as a complex disease affecting both your body and brain. We take a comprehensive approach that integrates evidence-based practices from medical science, psychology, and addiction counseling to provide you with holistic care. Below are some ways that our treatment philosophy addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Physical aspects:

  • Medical detoxification: Our licensed professional counselors and physicians manage drug withdrawal symptoms, ensuring your safety and comfort during this critical phase.
  • Medication-assisted treatment: When appropriate, we utilize FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to address opioid use disorder and alcohol dependence.
  • Nutritional counseling: We focus on rebuilding your physical health through proper nutrition, addressing deficiencies often associated with substance abuse.

Psychological aspects:

  • Individual therapy: Our mental health counselors employ various psychotherapy techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to address underlying psychological issues.
  • Group psychotherapy: Participate in peer support sessions that foster shared learning and build a sense of community.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment: We address co-occurring mental health disorders, recognizing the intricate relationship between SUD and other psychological conditions.

Our staff is also equipped and trained to utilize approaches that simultaneously address the physical and psychological facets. These modalities, often called integrated approaches, encourage a view of substance abuse that acknowledges the intersections of all of these aspects. Some integrated approaches we offer are:

  • Motivational interviewing: Our therapists use this technique to enhance your motivation for change and commitment to recovery.
  • Contingency management: We implement reward systems to reinforce positive actions and strengthen your resolve to maintain sobriety.
  • Family therapy: Involving loved ones in your treatment process helps address familial dynamics that may contribute to or be affected by addiction.
  • Relapse prevention: We equip you with coping strategies and tools to identify triggers and maintain long-term recovery.
  • Holistic therapies: Incorporate complementary approaches like meditation, yoga, or art therapy to promote overall well-being and stress management.

Our substance abuse counselors and addiction therapists work together to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. That means that you’ll receive comprehensive care for all aspects of your addiction, paving the way for lasting recovery and personal growth.

How does Alpha Behavioral Health provide peer support and accountability through therapy sessions?

Peer support is an important part of the healing process for people with SUD. It provides a sense of connection and understanding among those with similar experiences. Sharing struggles and successes with peers who face the same challenges fosters a supportive environment where you can feel less isolated and more motivated to stay in recovery. Such support helps build trust, encourages accountability, and offers practical advice from those who have been through similar situations. These are just a few reasons why we encourage peer interaction and connection at Alpha Behavioral Health, especially among young adults and teens.

Our core program revolves around group sessions where you’ll engage with peers facing similar challenges. These sessions incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, helping you develop coping skills and strategies for maintaining sobriety within a supportive community. For those who would benefit from additional support, we also facilitate connections with organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. These organizations are great options for building connections outside of the treatment program that can carry over into life after treatment.

Accountability plays a crucial role in recovery from substance abuse. Some measures we have in place to keep clients accountable throughout their journey include:

  • Regular assessments: Your progress is monitored through periodic exams and check-ins, ensuring you stay on track with your recovery goals.
  • Drug testing: As part of our comprehensive approach, we conduct routine drug tests to maintain accountability and identify potential relapse risks early.
  • Relapse prevention planning: We work with you to develop personalized strategies for avoiding and managing potential triggers.
  • Life skills training: Our program includes practical education on essential skills for maintaining long-term sobriety and reintegrating into society.
  • Aftercare planning: We help you create a robust plan for continued support and accountability after completing the primary treatment program.

What coping skills and strategies are developed to manage cravings and triggers?

One of the most difficult steps in addiction recovery is learning to manage cravings and triggers. In substance abuse therapy at Alpha Behavioral Health, you’ll develop essential coping skills to manage cravings and triggers associated with SUD. Our licensed professional counselors and certified addiction counselors can teach you a range of evidence-based techniques to help you build resilience and maintain long-term sobriety. These strategies include mindfulness techniques, stress management, and cognitive restructuring, all of which are tailored to address the unique challenges of addiction.

Through individual therapy and group psychotherapy sessions, you’ll learn to identify your personal triggers. Triggers are situations and environments that cause a psychological reaction and can prompt you to crave substances. After identifying your triggers, you can create action plans to navigate high-risk situations. It isn’t easy, but our substance abuse counselors are there to guide you through it. Practicing before you go out into the world will help you be prepared for the real thing.

Our counselors utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you recognize and modify thought patterns that contribute to addiction. This approach is particularly effective in addressing dual diagnosis cases, where substance abuse co-occurs with other mental health issues. 

Your treatment program may incorporate elements from various therapeutic approaches, like motivational interviewing and contingency management, to reinforce positive thought patterns and enhance your commitment to recovery. These techniques can help strengthen your motivation for change and reward progress in your recovery journey.

What are some good strategies for early intervention?

At Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe that education is the first line of defense against substance abuse. Teachers, parents, family members, and friends may not know when or how to intervene if they are unaware of the signs and symptoms of addiction. Misinformation and stigma can further deter people from stepping in and getting help for loved ones when they need it. 

Start by understanding addiction and knowing its warning signs:

  • Unusually small pupils
  • Erratic and uncharacteristic thoughts 
  • Drowsiness
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Avoiding family or friends
  • Secretiveness surrounding substance use
  • Irritability or nervousness
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Wearing long sleeves or covering arms

If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, it may be a good idea to talk to other friends or family members about it. Always approach these conversations with great discretion and non-judgement. Do this as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure; early intervention can prevent SUD from escalating into becoming dangerous and life-threatening. By bringing the issue to the attention of other loved ones, you can begin to form a support network.

As always, professional help is the best option. The support network should reach out to addiction professionals like our team at Alpha Behavioral Health for guidance on how to get help for their loved ones. From there, you can create a plan to encourage the person of concern to get professional help. 

Remember, even though intervening in cases of possible addiction can be uncomfortable, it can also be life-saving. It’s never wrong to worry about someone you care about or try to get them help when they need it. If you’re feeling unsure about saying something, talk to an addiction professional for guidance.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of addiction, early intervention is crucial. Substance abuse can affect more than just the addicted person; it can damage family units and affect loved ones as well. Fortunately, professional help is available. Substance abuse is treatable through detox and therapy. Alpha Behavioral Health offers tailored treatment plans that help you work toward personal goals and the life you want to live. Our outpatient treatment program provides flexibility for young people and students while they go on their journey to recovery. We want to support you and your family during this time. Give us a call at (833) 257-4218 to learn more about treatment options.