When you hear ‘rehab,’ chances are it does not have the best connotation. You may think of rehab as a recovery method for mental or physical problems.
In either case, rehabilitation therapy is a great way for personal recovery. It is more thought out and organized than you might think, particularly when dealing with drugs and alcohol.
Drug or alcohol-related abuse can be confronted in many different ways. Rehab is a common path to take regarding improvement.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this article will aim to calm your fears. We have laid out all the different types of rehabilitation therapy, the benefits of each type, and what type is best for different situations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The key for cognitive-behavior therapy – or CBT – is developing a meaningful relationship with your therapist. The sessions are all about comfort, trust, and honesty. CBT is generally only encouraged for those struggling with one specific addiction.
During the process of CBT, you will have the chance to develop a relationship with your therapist. CBT is effective because, with established trust, it allows your therapist to glimpse inside of your mind, further acquainting him or herself with your problem.
CBT is probably one of – if not the – most common forms of rehab talked about. This is because it works; sitting down and having a casual conversation with another person is an easy way to let some of the burdens off your shoulders. While CBT is recommended for tackling one problem at a time, it can be helpful when treating just about anything, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and much more.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse
This type of therapy is used to help those struggling with psychological problems that may lead to or have led to substance abuse. Sessions involve deep personal searching, development of ways to cope with triggers, and advice on how to influence one’s thoughts to be better suited for resisting addiction. It is suggested that dialectical behavior therapy be paired with other types of therapy for the best results.
For this type of therapy to prove useful, it is important to be honest with yourself while attending. Know that in all types of therapy, the person(s) interacting with you is doing so in your best interest. He or she wants to help you, so make it easier for them by giving it your all and diving in.
Dialectical behavior therapy guides you to seek out your problems by searching into yourself and dealing with them face-to-face. It also helps you cope with triggers. Here’s what we mean; if there are things in your life, like concrete objects, sounds, mood swings, or whatever, that make you crave what you are addicted to, behavior therapy finds ways to either lead you away from those triggers or completely rid your mind of those triggers.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is all about getting healthier. Pushing oneself to get in better shape is a significant stepping stone in addiction recovery. Exercise therapy helps parts of the body that might have been damaged neurologically during substance abuse. It teaches your body a new way to function – or at least, re-teaching your body its initial way of functioning.
If anything, exercise therapy is rejuvenating. Even if you may not have serious internal or mental damage caused by addiction, exercising is still beneficial to improve your life.
Family Therapy
Often, a family works as a very closely-knit group. Family therapy provides family members an opportunity to give their own opinions, encouragement, and feedback to help someone struggling with substance abuse. This type of therapy can be helpful because it allows the point of view of others to be seen up close and personal. If you are an addict, family therapy can show you how seriously your actions affect you and all the people around you — particularly loved ones.
The range of subjects for which family therapy might be necessary is vast. Frequently, the most
helpful people to talk to are those who know you best.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a great way to face a coping method through relatability and openness. In group therapy, you gather with a small number of people struggling with a similar situation as you, be it substance abuse, mental health, some sort of trauma, etc. Group therapy allows you to share your story and hear similar stories from others.
While you may not feel extremely comfortable conversing with strangers, group therapy promotes social skills development. Talking with people who know what it is like to be in your shoes can be eye-opening.
Holistic Therapy
In a nonstop world, you may find yourself unorganized and frantic. Holistic therapy might be the best option for you. It focuses on developing a sound self: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Holistic therapy aims to help you by working completely through you and you only.
Activities performed during holistic therapy include yoga, exercise, meditation, and self-awareness.
- Yoga – focused, intense movement offers a chance for the body and mind to work together, bringing them in close contact through association and concentration
- Exercise – physical activity is great for keeping up one’s health or rebuilding one’s health altogether. As explained in exercise therapy, physical activity repairs the damage previously done to your body.
- Meditation – meditation is an effective way to empty your mind and think peacefully. This relaxing method can keep your head honed in on the present, removing anxiety and fulfilling a calm relief.
- Self-Awareness – mindfulness of your abilities is extremely important. While it is useful to clear your mind through meditation, focusing on yourself is equally important. Let your mentality, physicality, and spirituality get to know each other a little better.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is another type of therapy that you will probably hear about most often. It is very similar to CBT, which is a branch of Individual therapy.
Individual therapy involves any conversation between you and a therapist. Topics could range from serious suicidal thoughts and addiction to something still important but not as urgent, such as a slight recurring sadness every few days. Keep in mind that even if something like that seems minor to you, it can be most helpful to talk about it.
Nutritional Therapy
Different types of substances damage different parts of your body. Like exercise therapy, nutritional therapy helps get your body back on track health-wise. Both eating disorders and substance abuse can cause a major lack of essential vitamins, nutrients, and more.
With nutritional therapy, you will have a specialized diet – with regards to any allergies or intolerances – often paired with a steady exercise therapy plan. These are meant to better your physical body inside.
Reiki Therapy
Along with having the coolest name, Reiki therapy consists of quite an interesting method. Reiki therapy measures a type of energy inside a person, promoting the belief that a higher energy force equals a better, happier life.
Reiki therapy is very spiritual; “The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words – Rei, meaning ‘God’s Wisdom’ or the ‘High Power’ and Ki, meaning ‘life force energy’ (Reiki Therapy).
Whether you believe in the Reiki way or not, by participating in this type of therapy, you are sure to get a relaxing time out of it.
Stress Management Therapy
It may not seem like it, but stress can be hazardous. Constant, high levels of stress can lead to many health problems. The problem with stress is its complexity. It can affect all different parts of you, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Stress management therapy can be beneficial in many ways. First of all, a therapist will help you find the cause of your stress. Then, he or she will offer options on how to relieve yourself from said stress. Many conventional treatments include writing down your emotions, exercising, or simply trying to see yourself in a different light, all of which can reduce any anxiety.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy can help someone by carefully and sympathetically unraveling his or her problems and discussing the memories in-depth. Trauma therapy can be executed successfully with CBT, group therapy, and others.
Keep in mind that when we talk about trauma, it is more than post-traumatic stress disorder. Of course, PTSD is severely serious, but it is not the only stress disorder. Other types include “acute stress disorder, childhood trauma disorders, dissociative disorders, and adjustment disorders” (Trauma Therapy).
Rehabilitation Therapy for Those in Need
As you can see, many therapy types can help the recovery of those struggling with substance abuse, mental instability, and other problems. Remember, if you feel like you may need help, do not be afraid to reach out, especially to those who love you.
For more detailed information on different rehabilitation therapy types, visit the Addiction Therapy Services page at Steps Recovery Center.
