Therapy and Substance Use Disorder

Addiction is a disease that affects all areas of an individual's life. The United States alone had an estimated 20.7 million people in need of treatment for substance abuse in 2017. Only 2.6 million of these individuals received treatment for their disease.

Therapy is one of the strongest tools to combat addiction. Treatment has to be specialized for the dependent person. Since drugs affect so many areas - biological, mental, spiritual, and social - it is important to indentify appropriate solutions accordingly.

Types of Therapy

There are several different types of therapy. Appropriate therapy should be chosen based on an assessment of the person seeking treatment. At La Jolla Healing Center we primarily focus on private, individual therapy sessions. This provides our clients with utmost confidentiality and also accelerates their progress. For alcohol and substance abuse, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most common treatment, since the person has to change their belief system to be able to fully heal.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can be used in the treatment of several types of compulsive behavior and substance dependence disorders. In CBT, the person learns to recognize patterns and risky situations that lead them into using substances. Patients often complete CBT feeling better equipped with skills needed to reason, think things through, and resist urges. CBT can also be used to cope with relapse and co-occuring issues like depression or PTSD. The techniques learned can be instrumental to one’s recovery - even long after they’ve completed therapy sessions.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a treatment method to empower the person in recovery so they can develop their own motivations and goals for a better life without substances. This can give them control of their treatment and help the person to make faster progress and fully be a part of the treatment program.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT can be adapted to treat addiction, but is mainly used for treating personality disorders, for example Brderline Personality Disorder. DBT can also help to reduce cravings, help with relapse prevention, assist in building self-control, and teach coping skills.

Twelve-Step Support

We can offer support to people currently in the Twelve-Step Program, or looking to join a group. Therapy sessions can be motivating, while serving as a place to further build understanding and mental strength.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication can be used in conjunction with therapy or counseling to treat substance abuse, and also to reduce the risk of harm (to the patient and those around them). When using medication appropriately, a progressive addiction may quickly be contained. This can be crucial for those who are in immediate need of a change, and when a chemical adjustment can help advance recovery.

MAT is most common in treatment for opioid use such as heroin or prescription opiates, or for alcohol abuse. The prescribed drugs block the reward center in the brain which opioids and alcohol usually affects in an euphoric way, relieve cravings and lessens physical withdrawal symptoms.

Results of MAT

Higher survival rates (less risk of overdosing)
Healthier babies from women with substance use disorder who gives birth
Better chances of getting and keeping a job
Minimizing use of illegal drugs and illegal activity in drug users

Therapy Treatment at La Jolla Healing Center

The above are some of the tools the team at La Jolla Healing Center uses to start the recovery process. Whichever type of therapy, or a mix of them, that will be utilized is chosen for each client. If you want us to make an assessment and work out a treatment plan, don’t hesitate to contact us.