Substance Abuse Therapy: Know Everything About It

Addictive disorders are the kind of disorders that can cause severe physical and psychological damage. The only thing you can do afterward is to get yourself a treatment, as it is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction. However, you should know that just like a chronic disease, addiction is quite complicated to treat and requires ongoing care.

You’d be surprised to know that around 8.1 percent of the population, or almost 22 million people, either need or regularly receive substance abuse therapy in the United States alone.

Warning Signs of drug or alcohol abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse can be quite difficult to define in the first place. And like that wasn’t enough, people’s opinions, values, and beliefs vary significantly on the topic. For many people, the use of an illegal drug or any use of alcohol with the primary purpose of intoxication. For others, abuse is indicated by recurring, negative consequences, such as:

• Failure to meet social, work, and academic obligations.
• Physical injury or illness.
• Alcohol- or drug-related legal problems, such as arrest for driving while intoxicated.
• Relationship problems with intimate partners, friends, and family.
• Impulsivity, such as spending money excessively.
• Diminished interest in other activities.
• Short-term memory loss or blackouts.

Signs that abuse has become an addiction

Substance abuse can lead to dependence and even addiction when both the amount of substance and the rate of usage increase. People who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Signs of chemical dependence include:

• Requiring the substance throughout the day.
• Seeking the company of others who use substances and cutting off social ties with non-users.
• Dismissing or even resenting expressions of concern from loved ones.
• Avoiding activities and failing to meet obligations.
• Hiding use from friends and family.
• Feeling unable to quit in the future.

How Therapy Can Help Overcoming Addiction?

Experienced therapists can help people who are addicted set achievable and empowering goals as they work their way up to overcome addiction. With therapy, a person is more likely to overcome an addiction. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing therapy have demonstrated effectiveness in this area. Once sobriety is achieved, adaptive skills can be developed as the person works to regain both physical and mental health. Therapy often provides a supplemental form of support for people who are attending self-help groups.

Final Thoughts

Getting substance abuse therapy is the best thing a person can do if they are struggling with addiction. Therapists are like helpers from heaven itself who will make your lives free of complications.