One of the most important aspects of addiction treatment is the multitude of behavioral therapies that each patient receives one-on-one with a therapist. Individual therapy is incredibly beneficial in addiction treatment. Working one-on-one with a highly trained therapist who specializes in addictive behaviors, can help unravel the core reasons behind the addiction while providing the tools to maintain abstinence after leaving treatment. At JourneyPure Bowling Green, individual therapy is incorporated into every patient’s addiction treatment plan.
Working Through Trauma In Individual Therapy
The link between early exposure to trauma and substance abuse has been well-established by many research studies. In the National Survey of Adolescents, teens that have experienced physical or sexual abuse were three times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than teens who had no prior exposure to trauma. Of the teens receiving substance abuse treatment, more than 70 percent of patients admitted a history of trauma. JourneyPure Bowling Green therapists specialize in delivering trauma-informed care. Relying on drugs or alcohol to relieve the painful memories of the past is common, but this is a misplaced way of dealing with the hurt. Through individual therapy sessions, patients will revisit the trauma in a safe, private and judgment-free environment, and will learn how to work through and manage the emotions in a healthy way.
How Behavioral Therapies Help Patients Cope
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are utilized in individual therapy to help patients modify destructive behaviors and change thought patterns surrounding addiction. These therapies help individuals that have experienced past trauma stay focused in the present, not letting the traumatic experience dominate their daily life. The coping mechanism for these victims of trauma has been substance abuse because, in their eyes, they are numbing the pain and pushing the painful memories away. With several individual therapy sessions during treatment, a patient will learn new coping strategies and develop a plan for avoiding any future triggers that would lead them back to substance abuse.
Developing a Plan for Long-term Recovery Through Individual Therapy
The other critical piece in individual therapy is for the patient to work with the therapist to develop a long-term plan for recovery once treatment ends. Addiction is a chronic disease that takes a lifetime of commitment to manage. It may be recommended that the patient continue a number of individual therapy sessions outside of treatment for additional support. Also crucial in recovery is to set the patient up for success in everyday life. This means creating an environment that is free from old habits, people and places associated with drug use. Even with all of these pieces in place, life will throw curveballs. There is no way to avoid some of life’s stresses and challenges, but there is a way to develop the coping strategies in order to best respond to these bumps in the road – without turning to drugs or alcohol. The therapist will help the patient build a new, healthy life of recovery.
Healing Through Our Individual Therapy For Addiction Treatment In Kentucky
If you or a loved one are ready to get the help you need to beat addiction and receive the support you need through individual therapy, call today. We are here for you and ready to help you live your best life.
