It is often said, the first step is admitting you have a problem. For those who suffer from addiction, the decision to get sober can be empowering and frightening at once. It is a decision that many addicts have wrestled with for years. While there are many recovery options out there to choose from, addicts who seek professional assistance often fare better than those who travel the road to sobriety alone. Sober living takes a lot of physical and mental discipline, which is why many experts in the field suggest a variety of treatment options designed to help ease the transition and prepare the addict for future success. Below we will identify some of the most recommended addiction treatments available. Cognitive Behavioral TherapyConsidered the most effective therapy to combat substance abuse addition, CBT refers to a structured, present-oriented and structured form of psychotherapy. Originally developed to treat patients suffering from depression, CBT has been found to be effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions. By blending a combination of basic behavioral and cognitive principles, CBT is geared toward assisting the patient with developing coping mechanisms in times of stress or intrusive thoughts. Motivational InterviewingMotivational Interviewing is a specific patient-centered counseling. Non-judgemental and non-confrontational, this type of therapy attempts to increase the patient's awareness, evoking internal changes. It helps patients resolve ambivalence. An initial assessment allows the patient to address the problem and recognize consequences, experiences, and potential risks the patient faces if they continue on their destructive path. The goal is to keep the patient in the present and keep them motivated to change their behavior. Motivational interviewing requires the commitment of numerous individual sessions with a trained therapist. Community ReinforcementWhen treating cocaine addicts and alcoholics, many healthcare experts use a community reinforcement approach. This therapy is administered as a six-month, intensive outpatient program. It seeks to help people maintain sobriety long enough to learn some new skills and significantly reduce drug or alcohol consumption. In this therapy program, patients need to participate in a weekly counseling session. The focus is on learning new skills, improving family interactions, discovering new hobbies, learning about social communities and obtaining career counseling. 12-Step ProgramsLast but not the least, 12-step facilitation therapy is considered effective to help patients quit an addiction and focus on sober living. In fact, this therapy can be quite instrumental in a patient’s aftercare and recovery. It is the key difference between sobriety and relapse. Many outpatient and residential treatment facilities understand the importance of the 12-step facilitation therapy. They often encourage patients to attend meetings after getting discharged from the facility.There are also some facilities that hold meetings on campus. Structured treatment programs allow people to get familiar with other patients. The 12-step facilitation therapy aims to increase the chance of a drug addict to join a self help group after treatment in the facility. It also makes sure the patient stays involved with the program long after he or she has been discharged.
