Why Counselling And Therapy Is Essential In Treating Addiction

September 03, 2022

Why Counselling And Therapy Is Essential In Treating Addiction

5 Effective Treatments For Addiction Therapy that Are Proven Successful

Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all. Treatments may vary based on your needs. You can choose the treatment that works best for you based on the substance you’re abusing, the level of care you need, your personal mental health needs, or what health care options you can afford. Here are some of the most common addiction treatments that have set patients on a successful path to recovery.

5 Types of Effective Treatment

Detoxification

Medically-assisted detox allows you to rid your body of addictive substances in a safe environment. This is beneficial because sometimes substance withdrawal can cause unpleasant or even life-threatening physical symptoms. Detox does not treat the underlying behavioral causes of the addiction, it is typically used in combination with other therapies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction. Not only can CBT help you recognize your unhealthy behavioral patterns, but it can also help you learn to identify triggers and develop coping skills. CBT can be combined with other therapeutic techniques as well.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help you recognize your negative thoughts and give you ways to combat feelings of self-defeat. The goal of REBT is to help you realize that the power of rational thinking lies within yourself and is not related to external situations or stressors.

Contingency Management

Contingency Management (CM) can be used to treat a wide variety of addictions including alcohol, narcotics, and tobacco. Contingency management therapy reinforces your positive behavior (ie maintaining sobriety) by giving you tangible rewards. This type of treatment has been used successfully to combat relapse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

12-Step Facilitation

Twelve-step facilitation therapy (“12-step programs”) can be used to treat alcohol and substance abuse. It is a form of group therapy that includes recognition that addiction has several negative consequences that can be social, emotional, spiritual and physical. This type of therapy begins with acceptance, then moves on to surrender to a higher power, then eventually transitions to involvement in consistent group meetings. Programs like the popular Alcoholics Anonymous use group meetings for discussion and mutual support.

Treatment with Medication

Medication can play an important role in recovery when combined with behavioral therapies. Certain medications can be used to reduce cravings, improve mood, and decrease addictive behaviors. For example, the FDA recently approved lofexidine to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Medications like acamprosate can also help reduce drinking behavior.

Why We Still Need Counselling

A substance use disorder is more than a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even after detox, when your body is no longer dependent, you’re at high risk for relapse. Certain psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers that lead to a relapse:

  • Stress, especially sudden life stresses
  • Cues in the environment, like visiting a neighborhood
  • Social networks, like spending time with friends who continue to use

Learn Effective Counselling Skills

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, you don’t need to fight the battle alone. Talk to a medical professional. There are successful treatments available that can help you overcome your addiction. Our Graduate Diploma in Addiction & Counselling  aims to guide those in need towards making their own choices and overcoming obstacles by helping them discover their strengths and fortitude.

This practical 6 months part-time  program provides an overview of the theories and models, prevalent and contributing factors, and psychological and social issues associated with substance and behavioral addictions such as alcohol, drug use disorders, and gambling disorders. As an essential program for addiction counseling, it is designed to provide students with the generic knowledge, principles, and skills that can be used to help people with substance or behavioral addictions in today’s rapidly changing world. Learn more

Master Addiction and Counselling Skills

The Masters of Science in Addiction and Mental Health is a 12 Months Part-time Masters Degree programme designed for professionals in the Care and Mental Wellness Sectors. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach to addiction studies within a mental health context. Students will consider theoretical and practical issues relating to the main factors influencing addiction from biological, social, cultural, and psychological perspectives.

The knowledge and skills that the students gain during the course will allow them to pursue or advance their careers in the fields of addiction and mental health issues.

This program will equip students with up-to-date knowledge of addiction within a mental health context, as it addresses addiction from psychological, physiological, political, and legal points of view. It also provides a strong scientific basis and teaches critical analysis of policy and law from an evidence-based perspective.

Join over 3,000 Successful graduates. 

Embark on your learning journey with us today, find out more at www.aventis.edu.sg Save on Programme fees with referral and enjoy up to $1,000* savings when you invite your colleagues to join you!

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