Substance Abuse Counseling Techniques
The chief purpose of therapy and counseling for addiction is to manage the underlying roots of the disease to stop them from causing relapse. Though detox is a key component of treatment since it helps patients manage withdrawal and ease cravings, it does nothing to address the issues that caused drug abuse initially.
Studies over the last 30 years have resulted in advances in proven behavioral therapy for drug and alcohol addiction. The treatments have proved fruitful in treating substance use illnesses along with co-occurring mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive condition. Some of the substance abuse counseling techniques are discussed below
The Matrix Model
This model gives those in recovery from stimulant dependency a framework for upholding abstinence. It’s chiefly used in individuals recovering from cocaine or methamphetamine addiction.
Treatment using the Matrix model comprises a variety of proven therapies that promote relapse deterrence and inspire education, family therapy, and support-group contribution. Therapy meetings usually involve thorough worksheets or manuals for the recovering addict to reference.
The psychotherapist is a coach and teacher, developing a positive connection with the patient and encouraging behavioral alteration. The psychotherapist encourages self-worth and dignity in the patient who evades confrontational communication. Though, the Matrix model does include drug testing.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
This is one of the substance abuse counseling techniques and it eases distress linked with traumatic recollections and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, which usually worsen or cause substance use illnesses.
EMDR treatment assists the patient recover the memory of a traumatic occasion so it is less painful. The patient does outside eye movements while thinking of the traumatic event. The progression teaches the mind to associate the memory with less painful emotional state so it can heal.
Research shows that EMDR can release signs of PTSD after three 90-minute sittings. Individuals with severe PTSD signs, such as war veterans, frequently require more meetings than people with less severe indications.
Motivational Therapies
These substance abuse counseling techniques are the second-most-common treatments used by drug treatment centers. The treatments help patients find inner motivation to start or remain in treatment. They often offer motivations for upholding sobriety and are used together with behavioral treatments.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
This is a specific kind of motivational interviewing for drug abuse. It lessens patients’ doubts or qualms about undergoing treatment or ending drug use. The aim is to inspire change instead of teaching individuals how to change.
Contingency Management and Motivational Incentives
Motivational incentive and contingency management methods to treatment strengthen positive behavior with concrete rewards. The treatments supplement other procedures of therapy to boost abstinence during therapy. The therapies integrate chances to win prizes or vouchers to encourage abstinence.