Recovery Programs in Philadelphia PA (877) 804-1531

If you've made the decision to seek treatment for your addiction, it's important to learn about different types of recovery programs before choosing one. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors: the specific drug of abuse, the extent of your addiction and your own personal circumstances. Recovery programs usually include some form of psychotherapy and behavioral counseling; in some cases, medication can be quite helpful in the treatment of addiction. In addition to these standard components of treatment, an increasing number of alternative therapies are being used in addiction recovery programs. These alternative techniques can serve as a valuable complement to traditional treatment. Learning about the different treatment models and therapeutic techniques can help you select the right treatment for your needs.

Models of Addiction Treatment

Some of the most widely-used models of addiction treatment are behavioral approaches that are proven to help patients overcome substance addiction. These behavioral approaches help patients change their attitudes regarding drug use. Some models provide incentives to help them stay drug-free and others help patients develop coping skills to handle stresses and temptations.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular and successful models of addiction treatment. It was originally created as a tool to help recovering alcoholics avoid relapse, but it has since been adapted for use in a wide variety of situations. The model is based on the idea that thought patterns play a critical role in the development of destructive behavior. In CBT sessions, patients learn to identify potential problems and develop coping techniques to handle these issues. Patients are also taught to monitor their thoughts to identify cravings and stresses before they cause problems.

Another well-known treatment approach is the model of motivational interviewing, also known as motivational enhancement therapy. This approach consists of an initial assessment followed by up to four therapy sessions, and it has been proven to help patients resolve their ambivalence about participating in addiction treatment. During motivational interviewing sessions, the therapist doesn't try to guide the patient through the recovery process; instead, the desire to change must come from within the patient. Patients are encouraged to bring their spouse or partner to sessions.

A third approach to addiction treatment is the model of motivational incentives. This approach provides patients with tangible rewards for positive, abstinence-based behavior. In some motivational incentive programs, vouchers are given to participants each time they produce a drug-free urine sample. The voucher can be exchanged for movie tickets, snack foods and other rewards. The value of the vouchers increases with the number of consecutive drug-free samples provided by the participant.

Types of Substance Abuse Therapy

It has become common for treatment centers to offer a range of alternative therapies in conjunction with evidence-based addiction treatment. Biofeedback is one example of an alternative technique that acts as an effective complement to standard treatment. During a biofeedback session, practitioners use various medical instruments to give patients immediate feedback about their blood pressure, temperature, muscle tension and other levels. With practice, participants learn to identify the thought patterns that influence these physical levels and make the necessary changes.

Music therapy and art therapy are other forms of alternative treatment that help participants work through their feelings and express them in a safe way. It's not necessary to have any artistic or musical background to participate in either of these therapies: The focus is on self-expression and emotional release. Music and art can also serve as positive distractions to keep individuals from thinking about using. These techniques are particularly helpful for addicted people who might have endured traumatic experiences that are too painful to discuss.

Learn more about recovery program options and rehab centers by calling Philadelphia Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.