Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for Woodland Hills substance use disorder. Therapy works because it tries to address the cause of the disorder and not the symptoms.
Addiction treatment often utilizes a combination of group and individual therapy sessions for optimal results. The therapy will aim to imbue the patients with the skills and fortitude to avoid addiction on their own and not to depend on external help.
The following are behavioral therapies used to treat substance use disorder:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help people recognize the source of their addictive tendencies. It can be used on a myriad of maladaptive behaviors.
Patients can then notice temptations and take appropriate actions to avoid relapses. They will also gain the skills they need to cope with such situations.
Behavioral therapy has very long-term results as the skills can be used far beyond when the patient leaves the therapist’s office. It can also be paired with other techniques.
Contingency Management Therapy
Contingency management can be used to treat many types of disorders. It involves offering material rewards to reinforce positive behavior.
It can also involve punishment for negative behavior. In this way, it can be used to prevent relapses.
Positive and negative reinforcement has been in use for a very long time. However, extrinsic motivation is not the best solution for correcting behavior.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy is used to treat a number of disorders, mostly serious personality disorders. When used to treat substance abuse disorder it works slightly differently.
It is used to reduce cravings in patients and to avoid actions that lead to relapse. By learning healthy coping skills, patients can avoid situations where they are likely to relapse.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Therapy helps patients to understand their thoughts and how they manifest themselves in emotions. The basis of the therapy is to induce rationality into what is typically an emotional action.
The therapy helps patients understand that despite their emotions, they can make rational decisions to stay away from addictive substances. Their external circumstances do not have to affect their thinking but it is the other way around.
Matrix Model
The matrix model was specifically designed to treat patients who had stimulant addiction. It involves a combination of therapies.
The basis of the matrix model is positive reinforcement while teaching patients to believe in themselves. A combination of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation works best when trying to change behavior.
The matrix model helps prevent relapse and also encourages group therapy. It also encourages patients to participate in their own recovery through education and action.
12-Step Facilitation
Many people are familiar with the 12-step technique used in Alcoholics Anonymous. It involves a series of steps that aim to encourage sustained abstinence.
The reason this therapy works is that it promotes abstinence in a series of increasing steps so quitting does not feel like such a humongous task. Peer support groups also encourage addicts to stay on the program.
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