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Many people find that therapy is a helpful tool when it comes to establishing an effective recovery plan. The issue is finding the type of therapist that is best for treating your addiction issues. This may be a psychotherapist who focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or a therapist who specializes in experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy or art therapy. Often, a combination of multiple therapies is best suited for long-term recovery.
What Type of Therapist Is Best for Addiction?
The key to the question of what type of therapist is best for addiction is finding the right type of therapist for you. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all situation; it is very specific to the individual.
When it comes to addiction, it is important to treat the underlying causes of addiction. It is important to treat what causes the addictive behaviors rather than just the behaviors themselves. This is why many people in recovery say that it is more about the “why we drink or use,” rather than the drink or the drug itself. Of course, before deciding on a therapist for addiction, you need to understand that there is a problem to begin with.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the world. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Among people aged 12 or older in 2024 who were classified as needing substance use treatment in the past year, about 1 in 5 (19.3% or 10.2 million people) received substance use treatment in the past year. Among the 27.9 million people aged 12 or older with a past year alcohol use disorder, 2.5% (or 697,000 people) received medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) in the past year.”
It is also important to understand that addiction is not some type of moral failing or “choice.” Addiction is a disease. Most professionals agree that addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Yet, many people are unaware that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol until someone else points it out. This is also the denial component of addiction. Knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction can help with this issue.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and the symptoms of addiction are going to vary based on the individual, but there are some universal “red flags” to look out for. The following are a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Feeling overly anxious and/or depressed
- Negative changes in appetite
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Not being able to stop using substances or drinking once started
- Isolating oneself from family and close friends
- Experiencing mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Aggressive feelings toward oneself and/or others
- Having suicidal ideations
These are the types of symptoms that must be addressed as soon as possible if one is to heal from addiction in the long term. Seeking professional help as soon as these symptoms arise can make a big difference. It can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Utilizing the Help of Psychotherapists
Psychotherapy can be an ideal form of therapy for addiction. This is because it gets to the underlying issues of addiction that were previously mentioned. Psychtherapies like CBT and DBT can help one see the negative way that they have been viewing themselves and the world around them.
After these negative emotions and cognitions are addressed, the negative behaviors can be addressed and ultimately changed. Psychotherapy can also be very helpful because it can bring an essential component of acceptance and mindfulness to your recovery.
Utilizing the Help of Experiential Therapists
Experiential therapy can also be very helpful. This includes creative-based and nature-based therapies.
Nature immersion therapy can offer many benefits for addiction recovery. It also offers other benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Overall, natural environments can have a positive impact on health and well-being. Being outdoors in nature can be, in general, health-promoting. Furthermore, being outdoors can stimulate all the senses, increase the feeling of freedom, and have a positive effect on the immune system.” The key is finding the right therapy, or combination of therapies, that works for you.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time for recovery is now. You can do this! We can help.
Finding the right therapist is critical for a well-rounded recovery. There are many different therapists available who can help make a recovery plan successful. This includes therapists who focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as those who practice holistic and experiential methods. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about effective therapy treatments and other helpful means, methods, and modalities, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
