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Types of Alcoholism Therapy
Skills that are learned extend past the treatment period and are designed to be applied throughout life in support of wellness and sobriety. Following are types of alcoholism therapy that have proven effective in helping problem drinkers and their families begin the path to recovery. Motivational Enhancement Programs These programs are designed to raise drinkers' awareness of the impact alcohol has on their lives, as well as the lives of family, co-workers and society. They are encouraged to accept responsibility for past actions and make a commitment to change future behavior. Therapists help alcoholic patients understand and accept the benefits of abstinence, review treatment options, and design a treatment plan to which they will commit. Cognitive-Behavioral Coping-Skills Therapy Comprised of a group of therapuetic approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy helps alcohol-dependent people acquire skills to recognize, cope and change problem-drinking behaviors. By understanding what needs are filled by drinking, a therapist is able to work with an alcoholic patient to find new ways to address needs that don’t include drinking -- and modify psychological dependence on the drug. During therapy sessions, patients are taught essential coping skills to:
12-Step Facilitation Therapy This peer-support approach encourages people to become involved with a 12-step or related program that complements professionally supervised therapy. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, SOS and Women for Sobriety are typically recommended with all types of alcoholism therapy because they provide alcohol-dependent individuals with an encouraging, supportive environment. Support group meetings focus on abstinence and fosters each individual’s physical, mental and spiritual health. For more information on how established support groups play a role in alcoholism addiction treatment, click here. Behavioral Couples Therapy Ths approah combines a focus on alcoholism recovery with efforts to repair and improve relationships. For the therapy to be effective, both partners must be committed to the relationship and want to strengthen it. Only one spouse should be alcohol dependent for the therapy to have impact. If both couples are alcoholics, different strategies need to be deployed so couples are less likely to relapse together. Therapy includes providing the non-dependent partner with training on communication and support strategies that facilitate the advancement of treatment and sobriety. An integral component of couples therapy involves developing a "contract" agreeing that:
For information on treatment options that include psychosocial types of alcoholism therapy, click here. Sources: Carlo C. DiClemente, Ph.D., Lorie E. Bellino, M.Ed., Tara M. Neavins, M.S., Motivation for Change and Alcoholism Treatment. Alcohol and Research, Vol. 23, No. 2, 1999, pp. 86-92. Miller, W.R. (Ed.) (1999). Enhancing motivation for change in substance abuse treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 35. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Chapter 3. Motivational Interviewing (resources for clinicians, researchers, and trainers) http://www.motivationalinterview.org. Fals-Stewart, W.; Birchler, G.R.; and O'Farrell, T.J., Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Abuse: Rationale, Methods, and Findings. Science & Practice Perspectives pp. 30 – 43, August, 2004. Ronald M. Kadden, Ph.D. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Substance Dependence: Coping Skills Training.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, October 9, 2002. Richard Longabaugh, Ed.D, Jon Morgenstern, Ph.D. Cognitive-Behavioral Coping-Skills Therapy for Alcohol Dependence. Current Status and Future Directions. Alcohol Research and Health. Vol. 23, No. 2, 1999, pages 78- 85.
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Article: Types of Alcoholism Therapy
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