Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy

Looking into rehab centers? Look no further. Substance addiction is a chronic condition that involves a physical and phycological dependence on alcohol or drugs. Compulsory behaviour is an integral component of addiction and one of the factors that makes this condition difficult to overcome. With individual therapy, an addiction counselor can help a recovering addict through the rehabilitation process by providing them with the means to cope with withdrawal. An addiction therapist can also help the recovering individual to address the fears, stress, and uncertainty that are often associated with recovery. Individual therapy also helps the recoveree to address the underlying causes that initially resulted in the use of substances, which prevents them from relapsing after rehabilitation. The Kentuckiana Center for Addiction Medicine provides patients with professional addiction treatment and support throughout the recovery process.

What Happens in Individual Therapy?

When you enroll in our individual therapy program, a certified recovery therapist will be assigned to you, and you will regularly meet with this professional for individual therapy sessions. The regularity of your sessions depends on your assessment. According to drug addiction research, individual therapy programs should last for at least three months or sixteen sessions, as this is the minimum time that is necessary to ensure lasting results. During the initial sessions, a drug addiction counselor will assess your reasons for receiving treatment and set treatment objectives, for example, managing emotions without the aid of a substance.

A recovery counselor will help you with the following during therapy:

• Examining damaging subjective beliefs and behaviors.
• Analyzing justifications for substance abuse.
• Working to gain an understanding of the harm caused by the addictive behavior.
• Analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of making a change.
• Formulating a plan to reach your treatment objectives.

A crucial part of individual therapy involves addressing the underlying or subliminal beliefs that are the primary cause of addiction. These are things that addicted individuals inherently believe that fuel their dependency on harmful substances. Examples of these beliefs include:

• Consuming the substance helps me relax and function better.
• I cannot conduct myself in social situations without consuming the substance.
• I derive some sort of physiological benefit from consuming a substance.
• My substance abuse only affects me and no one else.

When these inherent beliefs are changed during therapy, it can increase the chances of successful recovery significantly. During therapy, the therapist may recommend that you keep a journal or read helpful literature. Your therapist will also assume the role of your personal supporter and help you achieve every step towards becoming drug-free. An individual therapist is the person with the most insight into your case and is the person who decides when you can leave the program. As you transition to a substance-free lifestyle, you may occasionally have to undergo individual therapy to ensure lasting sobriety.

Types of Substance Use Therapy

Therapy doesn’t only consist of detoxification. There are several different treatment programs, with behavioral therapies being the most effective.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy is generally effective in treating substance addiction and focuses primarily on modifying the recovering individual’s responses to adverse events and factors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also involves the development of healthy coping skills.

Matrix Model

This model involves individual treatment by a certified therapist who assumes a role as a teacher or coach. The therapist’s efforts focus on preventing relapse and future addictions. In addition to individual therapy, the recovering person also has to follow self-help programs that help them develop general problem-solving skills and self-esteem.

Motivational Enhancement

Individual therapy may include motivational enhancement to help the recoveree develop the inherent motivation to overcome addiction and live a substance-free life. This treatment does not necessarily rely on incentives, but rather an intrinsic desire to live a substance-free life.

Contingency Management

Contingency management or motivational incentives is a treatment that uses a rewards-based system to help the recovering individual overcome addiction. A person receiving this treatment will receive incentives to refrain from using a harmful substance.

Importance of Individual Addiction Counselling

Some of the treatment types that are listed above can be provided in a group- or individual setting. There are several benefits to receiving therapy in a group setting, but individual therapy is particularly useful in helping someone overcome addiction. A positive relationship between the person who undergoes therapy and a certified therapist is one of the most valuable contributors to a successful recovery. When a recovering person trusts the therapist and receives support on an individual basis, they will be more likely to complete therapy and achieve permanent results.

Establishing trust and providing this level of personal support can be a challenge in group settings. During individual therapy, the therapist can:

• Formulate a customized treatment plan
• Give undivided attention and listen without judgment
• Help the recoveree reach their treatment goals on their own time and terms

Another reason why individual therapy is highly effective is that it provides the recovering person with the opportunity to discuss issues freely and privately. During group therapy sessions, people may not feel comfortable sharing personal information that can be helpful in their treatment. During an individual therapy session, all the therapist’s time and attention belong to the recovering person. As a result, treatment is more effective as it would have been in a group setting, and the therapist can cover more ground during each session.

Contact the Kentuckiana Center for Addiction Medicine

At Kentuckiana Center for Addiction, our therapists have all the necessary skills, education, and experience to help people overcome their addictions. If you need professional support to make positive changes in your life, we can help.