22 Ways a Therapist Can Help You Overcome Addiction

Searching for ways a drug or alcohol therapist can help you or a loved one overcome an addiction?

The ways a professional can help people overcome a drug or alcohol addiction are limitless – from detox to creating emotional and spiritual balance.

Here is a list of just 22 ways addiction treatment can help:

1. They can restore social skills that will help the abuser to re-connect with people and rebuild broken relationships.
2. The therapist can alcoholics establish a lifestyle of ethical and acceptable behaviour.
3. The majority of addicts try to get off drugs themselves without success. A professional can facilitate a structured, evidence-based process that works. 
4. Addiction counsellors help identify the irrational thinking and compulsive behaviours of the addict.
5. Supervised detox gets the drugs out of the person’s body safely. Subsequent cravings are addressed via continued therapy.  
6. Addicts and alcoholics begin to look cleaner and feel healthier. This happens because the substances are eliminated and replaced with working out or other healthy activities such as Yoga, regular meals and natural sleep.
7. Detox and therapy bring more than just physical detoxification. They also introduce emotional and spiritual balance.  
8. An indirect benefit of getting into recovery is that they inspire others to get help by joining a treatment program. 
9. A therapist can help the addict or alcoholic to understand the reasons behind the drug abuse, whether it is emotional, social, psychological or spiritual reasons.
10. Addiction counsellors become the addict’s partner in the healing process.
11. Getting to know yourself is one of the goals of recovery from addiction. When you are comfortable with who you are, you begin connecting with yourself and others.
12. An addict often feels that there is no way out. While working with a therapist, the addict finds hope for a better life.
13. Therapists help in motivating the addict to get and stay sober. The needs to know that someone cares enough to say that they can make it.
14. An alcoholic begins to comprehend the extent of damages their addictive behaviour. They didn’t only hurt themselves. They caused pain to family and friends.
15. The therapist helps the addict to make amends for actions and words that have hurt others mentally, emotionally, and physically.
16. Many addiction treatment providers offer continued support after initial recovery. For instance, Addictions UK offers recovery housing and related services for those who need them.  
17. Addiction is highly relapse-prone. Addiction therapists assist the recovering person in keeping from relapsing customised relapse prevention techniques. 
18. Assessment of your possible addiction and personality issues is usually the first step. Therapists provide assessments in diagnosing addictions and related disorders.
19. Honesty is essential for a meaningful life. Counsellors encourage addicts to open up, instead of hiding or evading.
20. Maintaining sobriety needs reinforcement through peer support. Your therapist will introduce you to self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. 
21. Do not let the cost of engaging an addiction therapist deter you. The cost of treatment is usually much less than what the addict may spend if he or she continues to indulge in substance use. And the benefits are priceless! 
22. A therapist helps in processing the addict’s past – the accumulated guilt, shame and fears. Thus, the individual starts living with a clean slate. 

If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out for professional support by calling Freephone 0800 140 4044