Addiction to drugs or alcohol is often used to cover up or self-medicate an underlying psychological issue such as depression or anxiety. To successfully end the cycle of addiction, it’s necessary to stop taking the drugs, as well as deal with the underlying mental health issues. Otherwise, relapse will occur. Successful addiction treatment, such as an addiction therapist for women, requires not only physical care for the symptoms of drug abuse but mental health treatment as well.
Mental Health Treatment and Substance Abuse Therapy
Counseling and therapy, in conjunction with the management of the withdrawal symptoms and the effects of addiction, is crucial to successfully end drug abuse. Counseling and a mental health treatment program help the patient to understand what underlying factors caused the drug addiction in the first place and the factors that can lead to relapse. There are several therapeutic techniques used in substance abuse rehabilitation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective therapy methods for dealing with substance abuse. CBT teaches the patient to understand their thoughts and emotions, rather than allowing them to control them blindly. It is useful for patients suffering from various psychological issues like anxiety or depression in addition to addiction. Patients are taught to be aware of their emotions and to separate them from their actions. In this way, a recovering addict can learn to intercept negative emotions such as depression instead of allowing it to drive them to relapse.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This method teaches patients to accept their needs and teaches problem-solving skills to help patients overcome addiction, establish reasonable goals and achieve balance in their lives.
Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Dual diagnosis therapy is well suited to patients experiencing both substance abuse and mental health condition. In dual diagnosis treatment, a medical doctor will work in conjunction with a mental health professional to deal with both the effects of the drug abuse, such as managing withdrawal symptoms and the underlying mental health issue like depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy includes a variety of therapy methodologies that use psychological means rather than medical or pharmacological mechanisms. In psychotherapy treatment, you will discuss your past to understand what motivates you to abuse drugs. Then you will learn new habits to avoid relapse and further drug abuse.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a holistic form of psychotherapy useful for treating trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The concept behind EMDR therapy is that negative thoughts arise when a patient doesn’t deal successfully with a traumatic event. These negative thoughts and emotions can arise without warning and disrupt normal emotional and social function. In EMDR, the patient will review traumatic events in an attempt to understand them. As the patient reviews the traumatic event, the therapy instructs the patient to use eye movement to help the brain process the memories. The purpose is to reduce the stress associated with memory and develop coping mechanisms.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is especially effective for women dealing with addiction and family life. Quite often, addiction affects the entire family, damaging trust and relationships. In family therapy, patients will learn how or if their family may be triggering substance abuse. In addition, the family will learn how to support the addict in recovery.
Soledad House and Mental Health Treatment
In addition to the programs listed above, Soledad House also offers:
- Women’s rehab program
- 12 step program
- Inpatient rehab program
- Outpatient treatment
Are you looking for mental health treatment? We are experts in helping women recover from a variety of addictions including alcohol, heroin, and other substances. We also offer a wide variety of therapeutic methods to help patients get sober and stay sober. Call us today at 866.314.3222.
