When you struggle with chemical dependency, evidence-based treatments can make a difference. An example is the cognitive behavioral therapy program California locals trust. Addiction treatment works. How does it work?
What Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Do?
At the heart of the treatment is the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and actions have connections. When there’s dysfunction, you can run into trouble. For example, if you misinterpret a situation, you may react with inappropriate emotions. These emotions distress you, which leads to actions that aren’t in keeping with the actual situation.
Almost all people have some dysfunctions. However, for some, these dysfunctions turn into harmful coping mechanisms. You reach for drugs or alcohol to deal with a situation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you undo this cycle.
Once you understand where the dysfunctions are, you can make changes. Through talk and group therapy sessions, you develop new coping mechanisms. They take the places of dysfunctional coping skills. Therefore, you’ll be able to change the ways that you react to stimuli.
Part of a Greater Care Protocol
A cognitive behavioral therapy program in California is not your only source of support to overcome a drug habit. Therefore, therapists integrate it into a more extensive care protocol. Other approaches might include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as a way for you to hone in on intense emotions
- Life skills training, which emphasizes the importance of handling necessary activities on your own
- Social skills development that helps protect you from negative peer pressure
- Dual diagnosis treatment as a tool for learning how to manage underlying mental health conditions
- Family counseling, which allows loved ones to join you for open communication and healing
Many rehab facilities also offer holistic care options. These focus on whole-person healing. A good example is a meditation program. Because stress is a significant trigger for addiction, you learn how to handle the condition.
As a result, you disarm triggers. Looking forward, therapists may also teach you how to apply mindfulness training. It is a step further. Now, you learn how to evaluate emotions and situations impartially.
It gives you the space you need to react without letting emotional baggage cloud your judgment. When you’ve struggled with intense emotions, this treatment supports DBT. In this way, holistic and evidence-based therapies work together.
Other examples of holistic care might include yoga and guided breathing exercises.
The Importance of Support Groups
While undergoing the addiction therapy treatment Riverside County CA trusts, you participate in group sessions. There, you receive peer counseling. Besides that, they also offer you a chance at peer accountability. In this way, group therapy prepares you for support group attendance.
Almost all program participants go on to visit support groups during an outpatient rehab program and after graduation. Examples include 12 Step groups. These, too, thrive on peer counseling and accountability. Most importantly, they help you prevent relapse.
Some former clients choose to participate in sober living arrangements as well. Rather than moving in with loved ones or living alone, they decide to live with roommates. This program empowers you to practice living sober with the help of peers. Everyone shares household chores.
Similarly, everyone looks for work or goes to school. Therefore, you experience everyday triggers and stressors. With the help of peer input, you can disarm these triggers. Besides that, you feel comfortable in your life as a sober person.
But before you can get to this point, you need to enroll in treatment. Addiction’s a progressive disease that worsens over time. It won’t get better on its own. In contrast, it may cost you your health and lead to a variety of adverse consequences.
Sign up for addiction treatment therapy in California today.
