When Is Drug Addiction Therapy Necessary
Admitting that you or a loved one may need addiction recovery therapy can be difficult.
Many people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction often think they can overcome their addictions alone. In reality, drug addiction can be quite complex. While you or your loved one may very well have a strong desire to quit, successfully recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction requires professional help.
Even the most strong-willed person may find it difficult to conquer addiction without the help of an addiction recovery program. This is because drugs and alcohol actually alter the way the brain functions. Chemicals contained in drugs and alcohol create changes in the brain that actually foster substance abuse on a compulsive level.
As a result of scientific advances, drug and alcohol recovery therapists now understand far more about the way substances work in the brain. This insight has made it possible to successfully treat drug and alcohol addiction, so people are able to once again lead productive lives.
Signs of Addiction
According to the National Council on Drug Dependence and Alcoholism, Inc., signs of addiction may include:
Our Approach To Help And Healing
Counseling and treatment are necessary for those whose drug and alcohol use has become compulsive. specialize in working with individuals and their families to explore treatment options, towards finding the way forward in life which is free from the compulsion to use or abuse alcohol or another substance.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our counselors, or have any questions, please call . If you would like to email us, please complete the contact form below.
What Is A Therapist
- A licensed clinical social worker .
- A licensed professional counselor .
- Other licensed professionals.
Other people who may help with substance use counseling are recovery coaches, peer counselors, substance abuse counselors and other certified but non-licensed professionals.
In early recovery, a licensed therapist is a good person to work with when you are experiencing psychological stress or dealing with trauma-related issues or co-occurring disorders.
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Types Of Family Therapy
Most rehabilitation programs focus on group therapy, especially for those struggling with co-occurring disorders. Unfortunately, few programs currently offer family therapy as part of addiction treatment, although it is more likely to be part of the treatment plan for adolescents. Group therapy approaches in rehabilitation do, however, apply techniques similar to those used in family therapy, so bringing in family members when possible, or finding additional therapeutic treatments with a family therapy specialist, may be important.
Types of family therapy that may be part of alcohol use disorder treatment, especially for adolescents, include:
Because of parental influence on their children, most of these approaches were developed for adolescents and work best in that treatment setting. However, even during therapy focused on teenagers, the adults struggles with substance abuse, including AUD, may come into play. Therapy for their child or sibling may help the adult seek treatment for their own struggles with alcohol or drugs.
How Does Therapy Work
- It is difficult to benefit from therapy when you are under the influence.
- Many people report lying to their therapist about drug or alcohol use.
- A good therapist may not work with you during active addiction.
During and after treatment, a therapeutic process can begin with the absence of distortions caused by substance use.
Typical Session
Typical individual sessions last for about 50 minutes and often begin with identifying problems youd like to address and goals you may have, as well as methods and interventions that can assist in this process.
You may develop a formal treatment plan and decide how often to meet. This arrangement can be revisited as therapy progresses.
These meetings are usually held in a private office. What you share in your therapy sessions is confidential, and you have a right to feel safe with your therapist.
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Benefits Of Individual Therapy
As discussed above, one of the main benefits of individual therapy for alcohol use disorder is that it helps you learn how to identify and change the underlying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that led to AUD. Other benefits include:4,18
- Increased motivation to stop drinking.
- Learning how to cope with your triggers and prevent relapse.
- Support for co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Learning new communication skills and how to repair relationships.
What Is An Alcohol Addiction Psychiatrist
Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that is hard to break without assistance from others. An alcohol addiction psychiatrist helps with the recovery process for alcohol and drug addiction, along with treating mental health disorders. The following review offers insights into the role an alcohol addiction psychiatrist plays in the recovery process.
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Substance Abuse And Addiction In The Family Unit
According to Jeremy Frank, PhD, CADC, a Philadelphia addiction psychologist, “The effects and consequences on substance use on families are devastating. Over 7 million children in the United Statesmore than 10%live with a parent who has problems with alcohol, according to a 2012 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report. These children and their families are at risk for other co-morbid mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance use issues, and addiction.”
It may also be difficult for parents to address the addiction of an adult child. Parents may feel responsible for their child’s addiction or may be unsure of how to best help the child. In trying to help them overcome addictive behavior, they may at times end up enabling the child instead. In programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, these parents can learn how to keep from enabling their child while still offering love. Often a counselor or social worker can provide assistance to parents in this area and help them find the best way to bring up the subject of substance abuse and addiction with their child.
How To Find And Choose The Right Addiction Therapist
Congratulations! Youve made one of the best decisions you can make: asking for help. Whether youve decided to get help to control or moderate your use of alcohol or substances, or whether youve decided you want to be entirely abstinent, or whether you just want to explore the role that addiction might play in connection to an underlying depression, anxiety, stress, or self-esteem issue, you are being proactive in trying to find someone who can help you. Acknowledging that you need help is never easy, but its one of the best things you can do for yourself. Finding the right addiction therapist is just as important as making the decision to get help.
Before determining whether the treatment provider is expert enough, you have to decide what type of practitioner you would like to consult. Addiction treatment often involves working with a combination of professionals. Probably the most comprehensive place to start would be to meet with an addiction psychologist for a complete evaluation. However, there are several other types of therapists with the necessary and sufficient experience to get you on your way. It is important to know the differences between these sorts of treatment providers.
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Managing Cravings & Withdrawalfrom Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol abuse can have negative consequences not only on your health but your overall quality of life. The widespread availability and acceptance of alcohol consumption can make it difficult to quit drinking on your own. However, there are proven treatments to help you manage your dependency and regain control of your life. When combined with individual or group therapy, as well as support group meetings, medication can be highly effective in helping alcoholics achieve sobriety. Dr. Daniel Bober can provide treatment for those suffering from alcohol addiction. He will typically recommend medication to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms during your recovery, and can refer you to a therapist in or near Hollywood, FL, to help you establish the support you need.
What Is Individual Therapy
If youve never participated in an individual therapy session, you may be wondering what it entails and why it is beneficial for treating alcoholism. Individual therapy is one form of treatment for alcohol use disorder where you work one-on-one with a qualified alcohol addiction therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist.2 According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine , the goal of individualized counseling is to help you develop coping strategies and tools to abstain from alcohol use and maintain abstinence.2
People who abuse alcohol may face problems in many areas of their lives stemming from their addiction. For people in recovery, individual therapy can help address not only the alcohol abuse itself but impairments you may have in other areas of your life as a result of your substance use, such as problems with employment, legal issues, and family or social relationships.2 Individual therapy typically focuses on short-term behavioral goals, meaning that it helps you make concrete changes to the maladaptive or unhelpful behaviors that led or contributed to your alcohol abuse.1,2
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How Effective Is Family Therapy For Addiction
Adolescents who are enrolled in family therapy as part of their overall alcohol or drug treatment plan maintain abstinence longer than those who do not receive family therapy. In one study, 54.6 percent in family therapy maintained abstinence after treatment compared to 37.5 percent. Adolescents who participated in family therapy were also found to have greater overall improvement.
Another study examining three types of adolescent drug addiction treatment Family Systems Therapy, peer group therapy, and family drug education found that Family Systems Therapy led to more adolescents abstaining from alcohol and drugs after completion of treatment: 54 percent compared to 28 percent in group therapy and 16 percent in family drug education.
Family therapy is important for adults, too. Attachment disorders are common in children whose parents struggled with alcohol or drugs even when child abuse and neglect are not present. Adults struggling with substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder, can heal these co-occurring family issues by attending family therapy with their spouses and/or children. With adults, engaging one adult a worried significant other, for example using a family therapy approach can strengthen the entire family system and support the person overcoming AUD.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Aspire Counseling Services® provides an Intensive Outpatient Program with multiple levels of care, offering a wide range of individual, group, and couples counseling for men, women, and adolescents. We also offer addiction recovery groups, education groups, assessments, drug & alcohol testing, crisis intervention, aftercare, and more. We provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment that is personalized to fit each individuals needs.
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Whats Behind An Alcohol Addiction
A number of factors influence a persons risk for alcoholism. Gender, genetics, mental health, age and many others all play a part in the risk. Some are beyond any degree of control, like genetics and family history. Others, such as environment, lifestyle and mental health, can be identified and addressed in a treatment program.
Alcohol is a progressive disease, and people whose risk factors line up in certain ways can find themselves more prone to developing an alcohol addiction. Social drinking may progress to mild problems surrounding drinking. These then become moderate problems, which may include constantly thinking about alcohol, sneaking drinks and feeling guilty about drinking. Eventually, the person develops a severe addiction to alcohol.
Despite denials of alcoholism, the person constantly swings between periods of depression and anger due to alcohol. The substance makes them withdraw from family members and social networks their job or academic performance suffers. Attempts to quit drinking are often short-lived because the cravings are too strong or the withdrawal symptoms are too difficult to endure.
How Does Counseling For Alcohol Addiction Work
Counseling for alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder is extremely effective. That said, the course of counseling for alcohol addiction can vary from person to person, depending on each clients presentation, history, and so on. Now, it always involves learning new skills and techniques for managing ones addiction. Additionally, your Thriveworks McLean counselor will help you find other helpful resources that will prove beneficial, like:
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Signs That Abuse Has Become Addiction
Substance abuse can lead to substance dependence or addiction when both the amount of substance used and the rate of use increase. People who experience drug or alcohol addiction feel unable to control the impulse to use, and they often experience withdrawal symptoms in the sudden absence of the substance. Alcoholism, for example, occurs when people become chemically dependent on alcohol, and those who are addicted may become ill if they suddenly stop drinking. People may also feel psychologically dependent on a substance and continue to use it, particularly under stressful circumstances or to alleviate other psychological problems. Some people deny or are unaware that they have a problem with addiction, and sometimes a persons substance dependency and abuse remains hidden from loved ones.
Signs of chemical dependence include:
Top Addiction Counselors In Orange County Ca
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individuals life experiences. Like any other chronic disease, recovery from addiction is often very difficult and can include multiple forms of therapy and/or medication. Addiction counseling can happen one on one, in a group setting, or outpatient or inpatient treatment centers. Group therapy is often used to facilitate discussions with family members or friends and can help you be conscious of ways your family, friendship, or work dynamic may be contributing to your addiction. An addiction counselors role is to help you identify what in your environment or emotional state could be causing you to use drugs or other substances. Addiction counselors can also help you work through the emotions you feel before and after using substances and recognize patterns in your behavior that are causing you to want to use drugs. There are a lot of methods of addiction therapy available, but every addiction counselor will help you find coping skills that can subvert or replace your urges to use, and develop a plan to help you maintain your sobriety in the future. Most addiction counselors will also conduct regular drug tests. Below are the top Orange County addiction counselors who can give you the help that you need.
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Ronald Israel Ma Laadc Icadc
Ronald Israel is a board-certified Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Israel is dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families deal with and recover from substance abuse and addiction. He has more than 20 years of experience as a substance abuse and addiction counselor and as a mental health counselor. Israels approach is to specifically tailor his method of therapy to the patients comfort level and personal life using compassion, empathy, and practical feedback to empower his clients to achieve personal growth. He also has presented various addiction and recovery treatments and topics at National conferences.
Address: 34163 Pacific Coast Highway Suite 225B Dana Point, California 92629
Phone: .350.0557
Things To Say To Your Therapist About Your Alcohol Addiction
June 08, 2021|AlcoholicsAnonymous.com Contributor
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, therapy is an effective treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Despite this fact many people are hesitant to talk to their therapist about their actual alcohol problem. It is very difficult to decide what to say to a therapist about their drug or alcohol abuse. There are a few things that you should probably talk about while you are in alcohol addiction therapy.
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Explain Your Drinking Habits
When you explain your drinking habits, you can identify the types of alcohol or drinking establishments to stay away from. Your drinking habits can help to identify the way that you drink. If you drink with certain people or when you feel a certain way, you can use this information to help you stop.
Therapy Can Help Overcome Addiction
Therapists who specialize in addiction recovery can often help people who are addicted set achievable and empowering short-term goals as they work to overcome their addiction. Once sobriety is achieved, adaptive skills can be developed as the person works to regain physical and emotional health, and the therapist can begin to explore the source or cause of the addiction with the person in treatment as the person begins to employ the new coping strategies. Together, the therapist and the person being treated can work to set long-term goals that may include rebuilding damaged relationships, accepting responsibility for actions, and releasing guilt.
With therapy, a person who has become dependent on drugs or alcohol is often more likely to overcome an addiction, and several types of therapy are helpful in this process. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing therapya person-centered therapy that relies on the person’s inspiration to changehave demonstrated effectiveness in this arena. Sometimes therapy provides a supplemental form of support for someone who is attending a self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous in fact, some therapies are specifically geared toward facilitating 12-step programs. Rehab, or inpatient treatment, is also an option for some of those who may experience difficulty achieving sobriety as an outpatient.
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Why You Need Counseling
A substance use disorder is more than a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even after detox, when your body is no longer dependent, youâre at high risk for relapse. Certain psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers that lead to 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
These things can create a strong ongoing urge to use again. Counseling helps you escape cravings and learn to manage what life throws at you without drugs or alcohol.
Several counseling therapies treat substance use disorders. No one method is known to be better than another. Likewise, no one approach works for everyone with opiate addiction. The right treatment plan will be tailored to your addiction and individual needs.
