Addiction can result if you cannot stop yourself from certain activities (e.g., gambling) or using certain substances (e.g., alcohol). An addiction can interfere with everyday responsibilities such as work, relationships, or health. Some people may be unaware that their behavior is out of control, causing problems for themselves and others.
Therapy Details
Treatment entails a personalized plan for recovery, relapse prevention, and after-care. Exploring the person’s thoughts and behaviors can help them recognize triggers that lead to substance use. One learns to replace faulty thinking (e.g., I need a drink to relax and escape my anxiety) with healthier thoughts (e.g., I will run to help my anxiety). Research shows that most addicts need at least three months in therapy to reduce or stop their addiction significantly. However, treatment over three months has a higher success rate. Recovery from addiction is a long-term process.
Therapy Process
- Coping with cravings
- Identifying triggers for substance abuse
- Avoiding the substance
- Dealing with possible relapses
- Exploring the Roots of Addiction
- Self-help groups
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Integrative Therapy
- Behaviorism