Alcohol abuse and addiction are complex conditions that require holistic, comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. People who develop unhealthy drinking patterns or struggle to stop using alcohol when they choose must seek treatment as soon as they recognize a problem.

Detox alone isn’t enough to ensure lifelong recovery from alcohol abuse. Comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs use a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies to address the emotional, behavioral, and physical parts of their alcoholism.

Alcohol addiction therapy is an essential aspect of any treatment program. Participating in therapy can give people the tools, skills, and insight they need to identify and correct destructive patterns and avoid relapse for the rest of their life. There are many types of therapy used in alcoholism treatment programs.

Understanding what to expect during alcoholism therapy can help you prepare for each stage of the process. If you or someone you love needs alcohol addiction therapy in California, reach out to the knowledgeable specialists at Arise Treatment Center to explore our programs.

What Kinds of Alcohol Addiction Therapy Are Available?

People living with alcoholism must address the complexities of their substance abuse and develop new skills and routines that help them stay sober for life. Alcohol addiction therapy can play a significant role in recovery. Working with a therapist during individual, group, and family therapy sessions can help you process emotions, find healthy ways to manage stress, and identify trauma and other issues contributing to substance abuse.

There are several types of alcohol addiction therapy. Here are some of the most commonly used forms of therapy in recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat a range of mood disorders and substance use disorders. The central idea of CBT is that a person’s thought patterns can influence their behaviors, including substance use.

During cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, a therapist guides a patient through exercises and techniques that allow people to examine their thoughts and identify patterns deeply. Patients learn to change their thought patterns, which can lead to a reduction in harmful behaviors and the development of healthier habits over time. People also learn to fill their time with productive, enjoyable activities, improve their relationships, and enhance their problem-solving ability.

People who use CBT techniques often experience fewer cravings and can avoid relapse more effectively than people who do not participate in alcohol addiction therapy.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy was initially developed to treat people with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Later, mental health experts discovered that DBT skills and techniques could also effectively treat people with alcohol and substance abuse.

The ultimate goal of DBT is to help people better accept some of life’s unavoidable pain. Dialectical behavioral therapy sessions focus on managing the discomfort of withdrawal, avoiding triggers, reducing cravings, finding good social support, and helping people develop healthy habits.

One of the core aspects of DBT is helping people to cope with negative emotions without drinking or using substances. Therapists may teach mindfulness skills and help people gain better communication skills that help them form better, healthier relationships with others.

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing can be used during alcohol addiction treatment and beyond to reduce substance use and help maintain a person’s commitment to long-term sobriety. Typically, motivational interviewing is used for a short period, making it ideal for use during a rehab program.

During motivational interviewing sessions, a therapist encourages the patient to think deeply about the negative outcomes of their alcohol use. Patients identify their motivations for staying sober and can process any feelings of ambivalence about recovery that come up.

Contingency Management

Contingency management (CM) uses rewards to encourage people to make behavioral changes during recovery. Therapists may reward patients with gift cards or other items when they attend appointments or have a clean breathalyzer or drug screening. They may also reward patients for reaching certain sobriety milestones.

Contingency management is effective for many in recovery because it provides tangible rewards for maintaining sobriety. This form of therapy works by requiring consistent screenings and helping people set and work toward recovery-related goals.

Family therapy

When one member of a family lives with alcoholism, everyone is affected. Family members require support and guidance as they navigate a loved one’s drinking problem so that they can create an environment that encourages recovery.

During family therapy sessions, people work with a therapist to process emotions, learn about alcoholism and recovery, and improve communication skills. Together, families identify and correct destructive patterns and roles, develop new habits, and get on the same page about how to support their addicted loved one. The therapist can also connect family members to additional support in the community, such as Al-Anon meetings and other forms of recovery-related support.

Alcohol Addiction Therapy at ARISE Treatment in Vista, California

At ARISE Treatment Center, our inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehab programs utilize evidence-based behavioral therapies and individually-tailored holistic therapies to help individuals address the underlying causes of their drinking. Through personalized group and individual therapy, our clients learn how to cope with painful emotions, process trauma and fear, and learn how to prevent a relapse in the future.

Find Alcohol Addiction Therapy in Vista, California

If you or someone you love lives with alcohol abuse or addiction, the help you need is just a phone call away. Reach out to the specialists at Arise Treatment Center to explore our alcohol addiction therapy and treatment options in Vista, California.

Seeking treatment for alcoholism will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Don’t wait another day to take the first step of your recovery journey. Call us today to get started.