Therapy for Substance Use Disorders

Therapy for substance misuse (also called addiction therapy) is a type of treatment for substance misuse. It can help people recover from substances and live a life of sobriety.

21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. 5.6% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2020 (14.2 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

There are many different therapy types, each with its own benefits. Therapy can be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting, and it can be done with individual or group therapy.

Outpatient therapy for substance misuse is typically less expensive than inpatient therapy, allowing addicts to continue working or going to school while receiving treatment. Inpatient therapy for substance abuse requires addicts to stay in a treatment provider’s facility for a period of time, which can be expensive and disruptive to their lives.

Individual therapy for substance misuse focuses on the individual’s relationship with drug use or alcohol, which can help people understand the triggers that cause them to abuse substances. Group therapy for substance misuse focuses on how it affects many people and can provide support and camaraderie for addicts.

How Does Substance Abuse Impact the Brain?

The brain is a complex organ, and mind-altering substances can cause changes in the way it functions. These changes can be chemical, physical, and emotional.

Substance abuse can cause the following changes in the brain:

• Chemical: Substance abuse alters the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to cravings, substance misuse, and other problems.
• Physical: Long-term substance abuse can damage the brain by causing inflammation or shrinking certain areas.
• Emotional: Substance misuse can change how the brain processes information, impacting emotions and decision-making.

Mental Health in Illinois

Illinois has a population of approximately 12.9 million people. Close to 3.21% of adults (according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA) in Illinois live with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

Illinois is ranked 15 out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. for providing access to mental health services.

Ilinois offers a wide variety of addiction therapy programs that can help people recover from substance misuse. Therapy can help addicts in many different ways. It can provide support, guidance, and advice on how to cope with challenging experiences.

Why Does Substance Misuse Influence Mental Health?

Misusing substances influences mental health because it is a disease that affects the brain. Substance misuse changes the way the brain functions, which can lead to changes in mood and behavior. Substance misuse can also cause a person to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using drugs, stimulants, or alcohol use, resulting in serious mental health issues.Substance misuse is a serious problem that requires professional help to overcome. Many types of addiction therapy programs are available, and it is important to find one that is right for you. If you or someone you know is struggling with substances, please seek help from a qualified substance misuse specialist.

What Is Psychotherapy and How Does It Impact Substance Misuse?

Psychotherapy can be defined as a form of psychological treatment option that focuses on helping people change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their mental health.

46.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2020. 64.5% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2020. 11% of U.S. adults with mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2020. 11.3% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2020.

There are many different types of psychotherapy, but all share the goal of helping people:

• Address problematic thoughts
• Feelings
• Behaviors to improve their overall well-being

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, research has shown that certain types of therapy can be particularly effective for treating substance abuse.

Addiction therapy programs typically involve some combination of individual, support group, or group therapy and other activities such as 12-step meetings or recreation and leisure activities. The specific types of therapies and activities included in a program will vary depending on the needs of the individual for their addiction recovery.

The Different Types of Therapy for Substance Misuse and Their Effectiveness

The different types of therapy for substance use disorders come in many different forms, but all aim to help the addict learn how to cope with their struggles and work towards recovery.

The most common types of therapy are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on helping the addict identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their substance misuse.

CBT is an effective treatment for substance use disorders, particularly when combined with other approaches such as motivational interviewing or contingency management.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is another type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is effective in treating substance misuse. DBT focuses on helping the addict learn how to cope with their emotions and work towards changing their behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing, or MI, is a type of therapy that focuses on helping the addict increase their motivation to change their behavior. MI is an effective treatment for substance misuse, particularly when combined with other approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management.

Contingency Management

Contingency management, or CM, is a type of therapy that focuses on helping the addict change their behavior by rewarding them for abstaining from drugs or alcohol.

CM is an effective treatment for substance misuse, particularly when combined with other approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing.

Telehealth

Telehealth is a form of therapy that uses technology to deliver treatment services remotely. Telehealth can effectively treat substance misuse, particularly when combined with other approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when someone has both a mental health disorder and substance misuse. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 6.7% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020 (17 million people). If you have a dual diagnosis, finding a treatment program that offers treatment for both conditions in one treatment center is important.

Inpatient and Outpatient Options for Addiction Therapy Programs

Inpatient addiction therapy programs are designed for people who must live at the treatment facility during recovery. This type of program provides 24-hour healthcare supervision and support and can be very effective for people who are struggling with a substance use disorder.

Outpatient addiction therapy programs allow people to live at home while they receive treatment. This type of program is less intense than an inpatient program but can still be very helpful for people who are struggling with substance abuse.

Interventions for inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs offer various therapies, such as individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. It is important to find a program that provides the right mix of therapies for you, a loved one, or even a family member.

Common Mental Health Disorders

There are common mental health disorders that often go hand-in-hand with substance misuse. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all common mental health disorders that can make a recovery more difficult.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can make recovery more difficult. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% of adults in the United States have depression. An addiction therapy program that offers treatment for depression can help you manage your symptoms and stay on track with your recovery.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common mental health disorder that can make recovery more difficult. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 18% of adults in the United States have anxiety.

PTSD

PTSD is a consistent mental health disorder that can make recovery more difficult. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% of adults in the United States have PTSD.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are common mental health disorders that can introduce health challenges. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 3% of adults in the United States have an eating disorder.

Trauma

Trauma can be a major factor in people misusing substances. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 60% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at some point in their lives.

The different forms of trauma include:

• Emotional: witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event
• Physical: being physically harmed or threatened
• Sexual: being sexually abused or assaulted
• Psychological: degraded, humiliated, or terrorized

If you’ve experienced trauma, you may benefit from therapy specifically addressing your experience.

Are Addiction Therapy Programs Affordable?

Addiction therapy programs can be expensive, but there are many ways to pay for treatment. Many insurance plans cover therapy, and there are also government-funded programs available.

Insurance Coverages for Addiction Therapy Programs

Insurance coverage for substance use like alcohol addiction and mental health disorders can vary greatly. Some insurance plans may cover substance abuse treatment or drug addiction treatment, not mental health services, or vice versa.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires all insurance plans to cover substance misuse and mental health services. However, there are still some gaps in coverage.

How Effective Are Addiction Therapy Programs?

The effectiveness of therapy programs can vary depending on the type of program and the individual’s needs. Some people may benefit from one type of therapy, while others may need a combination of therapies to achieve lasting sobriety.

Addiction Therapy That Works For You

As previously mentioned, Illinois Recovery Center creates a treatment plan that is individualized for everyone that walks through our door. Some of the therapies we offer here at Illinois Recovery Center are CBT, DBT, Family, One on One, Couples, Group, EMDR, and much more. This list is not all-inclusive, as we are constantly incorporating new and innovative modalities that are proven effective in the behavioral health field.

In particular, different therapies work for different situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Specifically, cognitive-behavioral therapy entails discussing problems so that a person can frame his or her thoughts differently. In other words, a person learns how to use logic and reason to gain control of his or her thoughts. To be sure, this works best on patients who trust their therapists.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a modified version of cognitive behavioral therapy. Its goals are to help people to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to deal with stress, regulate emotions, and experience better relationships. The most significant advantage of DBT is the development of mindfulness skills. These help an individual remain calm so that negative thought patterns do not turn into impulsive behaviors.

Individual Therapy

Generally, individual therapy helps a person avoid relapse. Through treatment, a person learns how to deal with stressful situations. For example, when a person returns to a place where he or she uses drugs, therapy can keep a person from returning to old bad habits. Also, individual therapy helps an individual learn how to have healthy relationships and get through challenging social situations.

Group Therapy

In essence, group therapy connects people with others experiencing similar challenges. It helps them to overcome feelings of shame and isolation. In other words, it offers a haven for working through problems and learning healthy ways to communicate. In essence, people can find their voices and give and receive support. As a result, self-confidence is improved.

Improve Your Mental Health at Illinois Recovery

Illinois Recovery Center offers a wide variety of addiction therapy programs to help people overcome their substance use disorders and find lasting recovery. We offer inpatient and detox programs and various types of therapy, including individual, group, and family therapy.

We also have a team of highly experienced and qualified behavioral health counselors who can provide support and guidance throughout the recovery process. In addition, we offer a range of other services. These services are designed to help our clients find lasting recovery from substance misuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with SUDs, please call us today to learn more about our therapy programs. We can help you find the path to recovery.

Related Articles:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Peer Recovery Specialists
• K-9 Enrichment
• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy

References:

• https://nami.org/mhstats
• https://www.rtor.org/directory/mental-health-illinois/#:~:text=Illinois%20has%20a%20population%20of,bipolar%20disorder%2C%20and%20major%20depression.