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What to Expect During Therapy for Substance Abuse

a woman sits with her therapist during therapy for substance abuse

Therapy for substance abuse is one of the leading tools in addiction recovery. Choosing to enter therapy isn’t always easy. Knowing what to expect from counseling for substance abuse can make it easier to start. Substance abuse treatment programs across the country have a wide range of therapy programs for substance abuse to help people recover from addiction and mental health conditions.

If you or a loved one is looking for addiction therapy programs in New Hampshire, the team at A Better State can help. Our programs provide trauma-informed addiction therapy that fits your schedule and needs. With a range of holistic outpatient treatment programs, A Better State is a leader in partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for recovery across the New Hampshire area. Call us at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our programs for substance abuse.

What Is Therapy for Addiction?

As the name suggests, addiction therapy is an overarching term to incorporate the various therapies used in addiction recovery. Addiction therapy recognizes addiction as a disease that affected a person’s whole life. This includes past trauma, mood disorders, prolonged stress, and other factors of daily life that affect addiction. Therapists trained in addiction recovery can help clients diagnose underlying mental health conditions and develop coping mechanisms for stress to reduce addiction triggers and relapse risk.

Types of Addiction Counseling for Substance Abuse

No single type of therapy works for everyone. Many approaches use various addiction counseling approaches to achieve optimal results for the individual.

Trauma-Informed Therapies

Today, many therapeutic approaches are trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive. Some focus on the physical release of trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other Trauma-informed therapy acknowledge past trauma and its role in addiction and mental health.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are the root of addiction therapies. A range of behavioral talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy helps clients change thought patterns and behaviors. Clients also learn how to manage their emotions.

Family and Group Therapy

Addiction recovery requires a strong community. Family and group counseling can help clients develop communication tools, gain new perspectives, and build communities with loved ones and the sober community near them. They can also be a great way to integrate tools from individual therapy in safe, inclusive group settings. Sometimes, group and family therapy is an affordable supplement to addiction therapy.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies are increasingly common. Many incorporate physical exercise, like yoga or equine therapy. Others use art, music, and dance to help people process emotions, understand feelings, and decrease relapse. With daily or weekly meetings, clients use these types of therapy to voice their fears, challenges, and concerns with a therapist.

Whether working in a group or alone, the therapist provides a non-judgmental perspective and assignments to help clients create change in their lives. These assignments give small steps towards more significant life changes like new jobs, relationships, and help people stay sober. Often, clients combine behavioral therapies with alternative therapies for holistic, long-lasting results. Most times, continued individual or group therapy can help people remain sober amid daily stress and significant life changes.

Finding Therapy for Substance Abuse in New Hampshire

Knowing what to expect from addiction therapy can be difficult. While every therapy session is different, each visit with a therapist provides a safe, constructive space for long-term healing. Whether you or someone you love is ready to begin addiction therapy for substance abuse, A Better State is here to help. Our holistic PHP and IOP use a trauma-informed approach. We design treatment plans with the whole person in mind, including their past trauma and co-occurring mental health issues. Our therapy programs include:

  • ​​CBT
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Trauma therapy
  • Mindfulness meditation therapy

No matter your stage of recovery, A Better State has the program for you. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to speak with an intake specialist.