Unfortunate actions and outcomes can often be traced back to a problematic thinking pattern that fails to account for future consequences. The CBT modality helps patients change the way they think and feel about challenges and concerns, as well as their own futures. CBT has proven effective in overcoming substance addiction because it reestablishes connections and restraints between sudden urges and in-depth intellectual processes.

People often become trapped in unhealthy cycles because they feel like no one can help them out of it. But they only feel like they can’t get any help because they don’t know how to ask for it. DBT focuses on improving communication skills, which are crucial for mitigating runaway emotions that often spiral into addictive tendencies. Many DBT patients also enjoy an improved sense of mindfulness that makes them feel more in control of each day because they understand their own decisions and thoughts with more clarity.

Also called existential therapy, existentialism shines a light on the human condition overall to show a patient that their circumstances are not entirely unique. The human condition is universal, and everyone experiences keynotes of it in different yet similar ways. With existentialism, achievements big and small are applauded because they are never easy within the human condition, but reasonable limitations and challenges are also discussed.

One of the more science-based therapies, EMDR sessions are conducted by highly trained therapists who guide the patient through specific sets of eye movements. Studies have shown that the brain can readjust how it experiences certain memories if a particular pattern of eye movements is followed under the guidance and supervision of the EMDR therapist. For example, if your addictive behaviors are often triggered by a singular memory of a dark event in your life, then EMDR can be used to rewire reactions to that memory to eliminate the risk of readdiction.

Your family is stronger and more influential than you might realize or remember because addiction has changed your perception of genuine support. Family systems therapy utilizes your own family unit for a supportive foundation that builds up a defense against addictive behaviors. Many of your worst addiction triggers might be unseen to you, but your close family members probably see them. Gain access to their knowledge to bolster your own chances of overcoming addiction.

Also called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness therapy is a bit of a holistic approach to behavioral and cognitive readjustments for the better. It addresses that there are likely unhelpful thought patterns and emotional reactions that you have to certain ideas, suggestions, and situations that can worsen addictive triggers and habits. Mindfulness therapies can help address these issues without necessarily using a structured therapy schedule. The concept can also be applied to stress reduction techniques that encourage a level head when there is heightened pressure or temptation to use an addictive substance.

If your addictive habits can be related to specific memory triggers, parts and memory therapy can help. This therapy helps you identify the harmful emotions associated with those memory triggers, isolate them, and find better ways to navigate them. Sorting those emotions into “parts” helps to further understand and use them for the better.

Just how memory assignments and repetitions in the mind can trigger addictive habits and past trauma, so can the physical motions of the body. Somatic therapy is a therapy form that examines how you move your body and subconscious physical patterns. Better emotional control and mental focus can both be gained with heightened bodily control and understanding.

Do you often feel as if you have a spirit inside that guides your thoughts and emotions? For patients interested in spirituality and musings of the soul, transpersonal therapy might be right for them. Transpersonal therapy integrates a number of creative outlets to express the inner workings of the heart, mind, and soul while on the path to recovery. Even patients who are not necessarily spiritual can appreciate this form of addiction therapy because it is often easier to connect with therapists due to the therapy’s holistic and less-cerebral approach to care.

Also called trauma-focused CBT, trauma-informed care is useful for patients who have never experienced or acknowledged significant trauma before. Patients who are unfamiliar with trauma might not realize they are being negatively affected by it, which makes recovery impossible. Trauma-informed care uses a combination of education and confrontation. Patients will be educated about trauma, coping mechanisms, misplaced guilt, and more. But they will also be given the tools to confront trauma to manage it, rather than trying to hide or hide from it.