While detox and medication-assisted treatments are vital in treating physical drug dependence, therapy is equally important in ensuring a patient maintains sobriety after treatment. 

In drug addiction treatment, counselors use a set of therapies to address social and psychological factors that trigger substance use, which in turn reduces the risks of relapses. 

Some of the commonly used drug addiction therapy options include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy 
• Contingency management therapy
• Motivational interviewing 
• Matrix model
• Family therapy
• 12- step facilitation

Read on as we take a closer look at these therapies and the role they play in drug addiction treatment. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy approach to addiction treatment founded on the idea that behaviors and emotions are internal and therefore independent of external stimuli like situations, events, and people. 

A CBT therapist will help instill the notion that while it’s impossible to alter external circumstances, you can change your view and perception of such challenges. 

CBT shows patients how to replace negative and potentially destructive thoughts with positive ones that promote sobriety. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an emotion-focused therapy that assists patients in recognizing, understanding, and learning how to regulate overwhelming emotions. 

By learning how to manage strong emotions, patients become increasingly self aware and therefore capable of overcoming triggers that lead to destructive patterns and behaviors.

DBT is based on 4 skill-building modules that include: 

• Mindfulness 
• Distress tolerance 
• Interpersonal effectiveness 
• Emotional regulation

As patients develop these skills over several DBT sessions, they become more aware of their vulnerabilities and, as a result, better placed to overcome cravings. 

Contingency Management Therapy 

Contingency Management is a behavioral therapy based on a reward model. 

Under this therapy, patients get to receive tangible rewards whenever they accomplish recovery-based goals or targets. 

It’s worth noting that contingency management therapy is primarily used to enhance the effectiveness of other therapies. 

And while contingency management therapy might not be relevant after years of sobriety, it plays a huge role in helping patients in recovery remain sober weeks and months after completing inpatient treatment. 

Motivational Interviewing 

The goal of motivational interviewing (MI) is to keep a patient motivated enough to see out treatment and remain consistent in support group meetings. 

This type of therapy seeks to unearth a patient’s core motivations to overcome addiction.   

Through regular sessions, a therapist will work with a patient to know more about personal goals and the main reasons behind seeking treatment. 

Under the motivational interviewing program, the therapist’s sole goal is to help the patient find a purpose for rehabilitation and stick to it. 

Once patients develop a deeper connection with their personal goals of addiction treatment, it becomes a lot easier to overcome cravings and temptations that might occur further along the line. 

Matrix Model

The Matrix Model is an intensive, 16-week treatment approach used in outpatient programs to keep patients on toes and reduce the chances of relapses. 

As a highly structured therapy program, the matrix model integrates treatment methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, and 12 step meetings to help patients maintain sobriety. 

When taking part in the Matrix Model, patients learn more about addiction, its short and long-term effects, how to overcome cravings, and ways to maintain motivation throughout treatment.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is also a common type of therapy used in addiction treatment. Once a patient has participated in several individual therapies, a therapist then involves family members or spouses in combined sessions. 

Not only do family therapy sessions help the victim and family members heal, but they also foster a warm and compassionate environment that promotes long term sobriety. 

Family therapy also reinforces a victim’s support system, which increases the likelihood of completing treatment and joining support groups after discharge. 

12- Step and Community Programs 

12-Step facilitation therapy plays a vital role in promoting lifelong sobriety by allowing people in recovery to engage in substance-specific support groups. 

Most leading rehabs suggest relevant 12 step groups that alumni can join after completing treatment. These groups usually provide conducive, compassionate and non-judgmental environments for members to share experiences, advice, challenge and motivate each other. 

Is Therapy Necessary In Addiction Treatment?

Therapy is a vital part of addiction treatment that equips you (or a loved one) with the skills required to manage cravings and maintain sobriety long after completing treatment. 

And since detoxing alone won’t be enough to overcome addiction, it’s best to enroll in rehab facilities that integrate a wide range of therapies into their treatment programs.