The Power of Therapy in Treating Substance Use Disorders: A Path to Recovery

Substance use disorders can be debilitating, affecting an individual’s physical and mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Breaking free from the grip of a substance use disorder is undoubtedly challenging, but therapy at Authentic Connections Counseling Center here in Castle Rock, Colorado, offers a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery. By recognizing problem-areas, considering goals, providing support through the change process, and addressing underlying mental health conditions, therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals overcome substance use disorders.

Recognize the Problem-Areas

The first step towards recovery is acknowledging and understanding the problem at hand. Here at Authentic Connections Counseling Center, we provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can look honestly at their substance use. Through open discussions, individuals gain insight into their triggers, patterns of use, and the impact it has on their lives. While it may be uncomfortable at first, direct assessment of the substance use and considering loved ones’ feedback is an important part of the process. By identifying problem-areas, therapy empowers individuals to confront their challenges head-on. For additional information in this area, please check out our blog titled, “Am I an Alcoholic or an Addict” written by Cherisse McNaughton-Balzano, LPC, LAC  

Considering Goals with Your Therapist

Effective therapy recognizes that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Some people may want to quit using substances altogether, while others may want to reduce their use or use harm reduction strategies. Here at Authentic Connections Counseling Center we help the client explore all their options and make informed decisions about their recovery process through the following methods: 

• Individualizing the therapeutic process 
• Providing different approaches to recovery, including total abstinence, harm reduction, and dialectical abstinence 
• Foster a sense of autonomy and self-determination in the recovery process

Authentic Connections Is Here to Support Your Change

Change takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight. There are different stages of change, and our therapists can help you figure out where you are in the process. It’s normal to feel unsure about making a change, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Our therapists can help you develop coping mechanisms, stress management strategies, and relapse prevention plans. It’s important to remember that relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s just an opportunity to learn and grow.

Address Underlying Conditions

Oftentimes, when a person initially gets sober, emotions that were being covered up or managed by a substance often take center stage. When this happens, our therapists help individuals uncover and address the root causes of addiction, which can include trauma, depression, anxiety, or unresolved emotional hurts. Our therapists are trained in both mental health and substance use disorders and can shift fluidly between supporting the recovery process to addressing the underlying conditions that drive relapse as a way to support and sustain long-term recovery.

By recognizing problem-areas, considering individual goals, supporting the change process, and addressing underlying mental health conditions, therapy at Authentic Connections Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential space that empowers individuals to overcome substance use disorders. With the guidance of our skilled therapists, individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, substance-free life.

Regardless of your situation, help is available. If you’d like to learn more about how our team of therapists at Authentic Connections Counseling Center in Castle Rock, Colorado can support you and your family on the road to addiction recovery, we’re here for you. You can book a session by calling 720-370-3010 x100 or emailing us at info@authenticconnectionscounseling.com for more information.

Written By:  Cherisse McNaughton-Balzano, LPC, LAC

Sources: 

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Source:https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition

2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). TIP 45: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Source: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-45-Detoxification-and-Substance-Abuse-Treatment/SMA15-4131

3. SAMHSA. (n.d.). Harm reduction. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction

4. Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.