Many people misconstrued addiction. They often place blame and fault on friends or loved ones struggling with addiction. Those living with addiction may believe something is wrong with them. They often experience shame and hide their addiction from loved ones, which can make addiction worse. Many do not realize addiction is a complex disease. In the last several decades, doctors, therapists, and scientists have made advances in understanding and treating addiction. Psychotherapy programs are a leading form of addiction treatment available across the United States.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with addiction, Baltimore Detox Center can help. Learn more about our inpatient care programs by calling [Direct] to get started today.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy uses psychological approaches to help clients change and grow. Initially considered the branch of medicine treating diseases of the mind, modern psychotherapy can help people address behavioral patterns, communication problems, complexities, childhood wounds, and trauma. Psychotherapy is available around the world. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a specific branch of psychotherapy popular with addiction therapists. This modality helps clients slowly rewire their brains and change addictive patterns.
Most psychotherapy practice happens in a therapist’s office or remotely via telehealth medicine. For those in detox or early recovery program, psychotherapy sessions may occur daily or multiple times a week. In rehab, clients undergo individual, group, and family psychotherapy. While psychotherapy is talk therapy, many programs offer supplemental alternative therapies like art or equine therapy. In addition, during these programs, clients can implement tools from one-on-one talk therapy sessions in low-stakes projects like painting or animal care.
How Does Psychotherapy Treat Addiction?
Every person’s addiction story is their own. However, psychotherapy can help most people uncover old wounds and root causes of addiction. While some may self-soothe with drugs or alcohol, others self-medicate for undiagnosed co-occurring disorders. Today, many people living with addiction also have co-occurring conditions such as:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- PTSD
Psychotherapy can diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders and help clients change their thought patterns and behaviors. Furthermore, a therapist can help normalize a person’s addiction. They offer perspective, care, and attention when someone needs it most. In addition, therapy provides a consistent structure and helps clients build relationships and communication skills.
Is Psychotherapy Right For Me?
In most cases, psychotherapy is a necessary and beneficial tool for addiction recovery. Here are some reasons psychotherapy may be suitable for you:
- You struggle with guilt and shame
- You glamorize past drug or alcohol abuse
- You’re a survivor of sexual assault
- You’re a survivor of a natural disaster
- You have suffered traumatic injury or illness in your lifetime.
- You’ve tried to quit using without success
- You often feel you have no one to talk to
- You want to improve your relationships and communication
- You’re struggling with negative thought patterns
- You get anxious often
- You suspect you have an undiagnosed mental health disorder
- You’ve battled anxiety or depression in the past
- You are ready to change and ask for help
Psychotherapists assign clients homework between sessions. Small tasks help clients work towards significant life changes and sobriety.
Find Counseling at Baltimore Detox Center
Today, therapy is becoming more common among Americans. While it was once stigmatized, people from all walks of life are seeking psychotherapy for mental health. For those in rehab, counseling for addiction is one of the most successful tools available. If you or someone you love is struggling with dependency, Baltimore Detox Center can help. Our intimate live-in facility has programs for men and women coping with addiction. We focus on dual diagnosis for holistic and improved mental health. Reach our staff today at [Direct] to learn what addiction counseling can do for you.
