Drug addiction is a chronic illness that features uncontrollable or compulsive drug use and drug-seeking behavior that continues regardless of negative physical and psychological consequences. The disease causes long-term changes to the brain that result in dependency and compulsion to use drugs. Once these changes have been made, it becomes easier for someone addicted to drugs to remain addicted or to relapse during recovery. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to help victims combat drug addiction.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, behavioral therapy has proven to be a highly effective means of treating drug addiction. The term “therapy” refers to the use of psychological analysis to identify and address the fundamental destructive behaviors perpetuated by addiction. Therapy is incorporated into a wide range of treatment options, including addiction therapy and psychiatry, drug rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, suboxone clinics, and sober living homes. Depending on the particular needs of the patient, behavioral treatments may be combined with each other or with medical treatments in order to better facilitate recovery.
Addiction therapy is a critical aspect of drug addiction treatment, so it is important to find a therapist who can provide the patient with the support they need to complete their rehabilitation and pursue a life of sobriety. Because the rate of relapse is very high, it is important that the patient have a therapist they trust who can help them face the challenges and setbacks that can make recovery difficult. Whether you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, help is available to you no matter where you are in your journey. To find the best addiction therapist for your needs, view our comprehensive directory of therapists, rehab facilities, and other useful resources to help you on your path to recovery.
A therapist is a trained or licensed health care professional who provides treatment and rehabilitation for a variety of diagnosed physical, mental, and emotional disorders. Therapists must be specifically educated and often licensed to treat particular conditions, and may specialize in physical therapy, psychoanalysis, couples therapy, addiction therapy, and social work. For those coping with addiction, mental health therapists are particularly useful.
A mental health therapist is a practitioner who is specifically educated to provide diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Mental health therapists provide a wide range of mental and emotional services for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, including:
Addiction therapy is mental health therapy that focuses specifically on addiction recovery. A drug addiction therapist will help patients recovering from drug addiction, as well as their friends and family, find effective ways of coping with different aspects of drug addiction and recovery. Drug addiction therapy will help individuals to identify and cope with compulsion and addictive behaviors. They will set goals consistent with the patient’s needs and belief system in order to create a mental health regimen that will help the patient cope with the mental and emotional difficulties caused by drug abuse and addiction.
It is important to remember that addiction is a lifelong illness, and although short term progress may be made or lost, it is an ongoing lifestyle that must be maintained. Addiction therapists have the education and experience to help individuals suffering from addiction to create long term coping strategies and habits to establish and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
When choosing a therapist for drug addiction treatment and recovery, it is important to understand the difference between different mental health care providers, to ensure that the patient is receiving appropriate care and assistance. Although their roles may be similar therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists each require different levels of licensing and education.
The terms counselor and therapist are often used interchangeably. The primary difference lies in the practitioner’s approach. A counselor will typically approach treatment from a practical perspective, while therapists tend to take a more theoretical psychoanalytical approach. Different approaches work better for different patients and situations. It is important to note that every state has education, licensing, and registration requirements for mental health practitioners, including counselors or therapists. Most states require that both therapists and counselors have at least a Master’s degree in their area of practice, as well as applicable licensure.
Psychologists require more education than therapists, and must complete a PhD in psychology, and many states also require an additional 2-year internship. While both therapists and psychologists take a psychoanalytical approach, a psychologist is likely to have a broader range of experience in research and psychological studies. With a more theoretical approach that focuses on mental and behavioral processes, psychologists are capable of completing or assisting with diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental health and addiction problems; however, they are not considered medical doctors and cannot recommend or prescribe medication.
Unlike therapists, counselors, and psychologists, psychiatrists are considered medical doctors, and are therefore able to diagnose and treat mental and health conditions using medication. Psychiatrists must complete undergraduate studies and a 4-year medical degree, as well as a full 4-year psychiatry residency. They must also maintain appropriate licenses for the state within which they practice. Psychiatrists approach mental health issues from a medical perspective, and will diagnose and treat patients based on medical analysis of both patient behavior and brain chemistry. While they may provide some counseling, psychiatrists will typically refer patients to a psychologist or therapist for in-depth behavioral therapy.
We understand that finding a therapist to assist a friend a family member, or yourself with addiction and recovery can be a daunting task. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a nationwide directory of therapists, rehab facilities, and other treatment and recovery options. Our goal is to help you find the resources you need, when you need them.
If you or a loved one is coping with addiction, it is important to get the right help. Addiction therapy is targeted to assist specifically with the compulsive urges that characterize addiction, as well as establishing long term goals to maintain a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Getting help is as easy as viewing our directory, where we have provided a comprehensive listing of addiction therapists, health care facilities, and rehab programs to help with addiction recovery and rehabilitation.