Role of Therapy in Substance Abuse Recovery

Around 1 in 5 people in the country used an illicit drug according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey for 2022 to 2023. This figure is equivalent to approximately 3.9 million people. Illicit drug use and addiction can have detrimental effects on people’s mental and physical health, as well as their relationships with others.  

Fortunately, there are various treatment options available for people dealing with substance abuse issues, such as counselling or therapy. In this article, we’ll discuss how therapy plays a vital role in addiction treatment.

Providing a Safe Space

One of the main benefits of therapy for addiction treatment is it provides individuals with substance abuse issues with a safe and non-judgmental space where they can talk about what they are going through.

This type of support is regarded as a vital step in the recovery process as it helps individuals open up about their addiction without fear of being judged. It also helps them feel more open and comfortable with their therapists.

Identifying Addiction Triggers

During the therapy session, one of the main objectives of therapists is to help their clients identify their addiction triggers. These are the instances, objects, people, and other elements in a person’s life that can make them use dangerous substances.

By identifying and being aware of these elements, therapists can help their clients develop and implement strategies that enable them to avoid and suppress their addiction triggers.

Developing Coping Mechanisms

The strategies that clients can learn from their therapists are commonly referred to as coping mechanisms. Their goal is to help individuals going through substance abuse issues deal with their cravings and triggers in a healthy manner.

Coping mechanisms can come in various forms, and they usually include different relaxation techniques such as positive self-talk, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. These strategies are crucial for navigating the ups and downs of life without falling back into old habits.

Building a Support Network

Addiction can have a harmful impact on the personal relationships of people, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. That’s why one of the main objectives of therapists is to encourage their clients to reach out to their families, loved ones, and close friends to repair any strained relationships.

The renewed connections with those around them can help individuals establish a reliable support network, which is composed of the people they can depend on to help them in their journey towards recovery.

Making Positive Lifestyle Changes

The main objective of therapy is to provide clients with the necessary support so they can make positive changes in their lives. One of the ways therapists accomplish this is by encouraging clients to set realistic milestones toward their path to recovery.

These milestones can include maintaining their sobriety one day at a time, going back to school, or finding a job. By achieving these goals, individuals recovering from addiction are able to make significant improvements in their lives.

If you or someone you know needs help overcoming their addiction problem, make sure to reach out to Sureway Health & Wellbeing.

Through our team of NDIS recovery coaches, psychologists and counsellors, we’ll empower you so you can overcome barriers in your life. Aside from addiction recovery, we also offer counselling and psychology services for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you feel more in control of your daily life through our tailored psychosocial recovery coaching support in Adelaide..