An important part of substance abuse treatment, intensive therapy allows clients to focus exclusively on their recovery. Although addiction treatment often starts with a medical detox, intensive therapy goes much further than physical recovery to address co-occurring disorders, unhealthy habits, family dynamics, and other factors that may affect long-term recovery.
The Importance of Therapy
Although more than 20 million Americans will suffer from a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives, studies have shown that as few as 1 in 10 receive treatment. Even fewer will receive treatment in science-based, research-backed programs likely to result in lifelong recovery.
At Sprout Health Group, we believe in evidence-based, comprehensive treatment that considers the unique needs of each client. Because addressing physical symptoms is only the first step toward recovery, we design each plan to also include an assessment, intensive behavioral therapy, and comprehensive aftercare that allows clients to transition with confidence from treatment to everyday life.
Before Therapy: Assessment
Successful intensive therapy starts with a comprehensive assessment of medical and psychological needs, including past trauma, history of abuse, or co-occurring disorders. An essential part of our process, the assessment is what provides our clinicians the information they need to create a personalized treatment plan for a client.
Our assessments include a comprehensive medical evaluation, physical examination, laboratory and diagnostic tests, an in-depth psychiatric evaluation of a client’s mental health status, and cognitive tests to better understand their mental capabilities and thought processes. We also run pharmacogenetic testing to determine the suitability of certain types of treatment and toxicology testing will to provide a basis for the type of treatment plan appropriate for the type and nature of toxins present in the body.
After the assessment, a medical detox may follow or other efforts to address medical needs. Medical needs must be addressed and detoxification complete before successful therapy can begin.
Common Types of Therapy
Clients may undergo many types of therapy on the journey toward recovery. Because no two addiction experiences are the same, no two clients will complete therapy in the same way. However, some evidence-based therapies have been proven to help individuals in most scenarios, making them part of our core treatment modalities. The following are some of the most common modalities we use to encourage long-term recovery from substance abuse:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Because of its proven effectiveness at helping clients develop healthy habits and coping mechanisms, while challenging negative thought patterns, CBT is a core behavioral treatment modality at Sprout. The solution-focused approach focuses on developing strategies to manage unpleasant feelings, such as anxiety, rather than delving into the reasons behind those feelings.
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
Similar to CBT, solution-focused brief therapy is a goal-oriented model that seeks to help clients find healthy solutions to their problems, rather than focusing on the problems themselves. In this approach, therapists presuppose that clients understand what holds them back from reaching their goals, but may not know how to work through the obstacles on their own.
Psychoeducational group therapy
A key component of successful treatment programs at Sprout Health Group, group therapy allows clients to share their experiences and learn from those of others. Group therapy also provides important education about substance abuse and recovery.
Beyond our core modalities, we offer extensive, highly specialized therapies to suit the needs of different backgrounds, personalities and life situations. These may include family therapy, neurotherapy, or experiential therapies, including yoga, mediation and outdoor therapy.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Therapy
Intensive therapy often includes both inpatient and outpatient treatment. After a medical detox, an intensive, short-term residential program is often recommended so a client can focus exclusively on recovery. Residential programs reduce the risk of relapse and give clients time to adjust as their minds fully recover from substance abuse.
For clients who may not qualify for a residential treatment, or for whom inpatient treatment is not an option for other reasons, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a good alternative. IOPs, which offer intense, sometimes daylong sessions several times a week, are also good supplementary options for clients who may need more support during the early stages of recovery than counseling alone.
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Intensive Therapy and Aftercare
At Sprout, we believe strongly in the value of aftercare, which focuses on the transition between intensive treatment and reentry into everyday life. Therapy, both inpatient and outpatient, is an important part of aftercare. Relapse often occurs when individuals attempt to resume their lives without the coping mechanisms to face social pressures or adequate strategies to manage co-occurring disorders and everyday stress. As part of aftercare, intensive therapy gives clients the support they need to confidently rebuild their relationships and lives without risking relapse.
Personalized Treatment
We believe that the key to successful addiction treatment starts with an appreciation for the unique characteristics of our clients. Through innovative cognitive testing and assessment, we seek to apply the most appropriate, evidence-based therapeutic modalities for that client. Each of our addiction treatment programs is designed to help individuals come to terms with their problems and find a new meaning in their lives.
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, we can help. Call us to learn how our comprehensive, personalized approach to treatment can help you reclaim your life.
Have questions about addiction?Chat with one of our recovery specialists now.
Written By: Sprout Editorial Team
The Sprout Health Group editorial team is passionate about addiction treatment, recovery and mental health issues. Every article is expert-reviewed.