Regardless of where you are in your journey towards addiction recovery, therapy can support you through treatment and better prepare you for any challenges you might encounter. In this article, we’ll discuss how therapy can be a vital component of your addiction treatment plan.

The first step in your addiction treatment

Taking the first step in addiction treatment and recovery can sometimes be the hardest part. For some, it may be recognizing that you have an addiction and need assistance. For others, recovery begins with detox. Detox, the step where you stop using drugs and alcohol substances, is the start of a long process. Detox occurs in a medical setting and is the first step in any substance abuse treatment program. To learn more about what happens during and after detox, you might find this blog helpful.

How therapy for addiction works

Addiction is not only a physical dependence but a psychological and social reliance as well. Therapy will teach you how to cope with the underlying causes of your addiction as well as help you and your healthcare provider identify any co-occurring disorders. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy can support you in your efforts to achieve sobriety and prevent relapse.

What to expect from addiction therapy

In therapy, you will learn:

• How to handle daily triggers without the use of substances
• How to better navigate your feelings through new coping techniques
• How to relate to your thoughts differently

While in therapy, you’ll work with your therapist to identify the causes of your addiction and any risk factors that might make achieving sobriety and maintaining recovery challenging for you. Having a therapist you can trust can give you the support and confidence you need to continue working towards recovery and a lifetime of sobriety.

By addressing these topics with a professional therapist, you are giving yourself a level of accountability in your ongoing journey of recovery that will help reduce your risk of relapse.

Do you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction?

Group therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous

Since recovery is a lifelong commitment, we encourage you to seek different opportunities to engage with others who are also in recovery. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and group therapy at your local counseling center are valuable resources that will support your ongoing journey to a happier and healthier life.

Attending therapy as part of your addiction treatment plan can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome alcohol and drug addiction. Your treatment plan can include a variety of different methods to get you on the path of recovery. At The Transition House, we provide both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for addiction. Request an appointment at one of our counseling centers, and we'll help you find a program that’s right for you.