The behavioral health industry encompasses both mental health treatment and addiction treatment, and many often struggle with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously.
- Every year, millions of people in the United States suffer from addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), an estimated 21.7 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2018. That’s equal to 8.5 percent of the population aged 12 and older.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 43.8 million adults in the United States experienced some form of mental illness in 2018.
Due to the variety of addictive substances and the potential number of mental health disorders, numerous approaches and combinations have evolved over the years to treat individuals. The terminology encompassing these options can be confusing or overwhelming for those not working in the behavioral health industry. A therapy program vs. a treatment program is one such distinction—often, these terms are conflated and act as synonyms. Clear Steps Recovery offers Londonderry, New Hampshire therapy programs for individuals seeking treatment to break the cycle of addiction. Call 603.769.8981 to learn more.
What’s the Difference Between a Therapy Program vs. Treatment Program When Battling Addiction?
Addiction therapy and treatment programs are two distinct strategies for helping individuals overcome addiction. Understanding the difference between a therapy program vs. a treatment program is essential to properly address the individual’s needs and form an effective plan of action.
A therapy program is typically broad-based, focusing on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and holistic approaches to treat various substance use disorders. Therapy programs also often include individual and group therapy sessions and activities such as yoga, mindfulness exercises, and meditation.
Treatment programs for addiction are generally more specific, either focused on a particular substance or tailored to a specific demographic (e.g., teens, women, etc.). Treatment programs may include a combination of evidence-based therapies, individual and group counseling sessions, and holistic approaches to recovery. In these cases, the therapist will work closely with the client to create an individualized plan that best meets their needs.
Common Therapy Programs
Therapy programs usually employ proven, evidence-based techniques. Some of the more common methodologies include the following:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping people identify and manage negative emotions. In addiction treatment, DBT can help clients learn new skills to better regulate their emotions and reduce substance use.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI is a form of therapy that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about their substance use. Therapists help clients recognize their time, energy, and resources tied to their addiction and encourage them to reconsider healthier options.
Relapse Prevention Therapy
Relapse prevention therapy is an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping individuals identify and manage triggers for substance use. This type of therapy helps clients identify patterns in their behavior and thoughts that could lead to relapse and provides them with strategies to prevent it.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of talk therapy that involves several people in the same session. Group therapy helps clients develop connections with others in recovery and learn from each other’s experiences. It can also provide social support and encouragement in recovery.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a form of therapy that helps family members heal and communicate with each other. It can be used to help the addicted individual understand how their disorder affects the family dynamics and to help family members learn how to best support their loved one in recovery.
No matter the type of program, Clear Steps Recovery offers Londonderry, New Hampshire therapy programs to individuals with all kinds of addictions. Call us at 603.769.8981 for more information.
Common Treatment Programs
In addition to programs that target a specific substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, heroin) there are treatment programs that address levels of care and target specific audiences.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is a form of intensive treatment that usually lasts 30 days, with the patient living at home and attending therapy sessions during the day. This type of program is designed for those with more severe addictions or who require a higher level of care than an outpatient program can offer.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP is a form of intensive treatment that usually lasts six to eight weeks, with the patient living at home and attending therapy sessions several times a week. This type of program is designed for individuals with mild to moderate addictions, or who are not ready for a full residential treatment program.
Men’s Rehab Program
Men’s rehab programs are specifically tailored to meet the needs of men with substance use disorders. These programs typically provide individual and group therapy, social support, and lifestyle education to help men in recovery.
Women’s Rehab Program
Women’s rehab programs are designed to meet the needs of women with substance use disorders. These programs typically provide individual and group therapy, access to support groups, and education on relapse prevention strategies tailored to women.
Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs are designed to support individuals in the early stages of recovery. These programs typically provide continued access to therapy, support groups, and other resources to help the individual cope with everyday challenges and prevent relapse.
Reach Out to Clear Steps Recovery Today
Clear Steps Recovery offers a variety of therapy programs and treatment programs for individuals seeking treatment to break the cycle of addiction. Our team of skilled and compassionate professionals is dedicated to helping you or a loved one find the path to long-term recovery. Reach out to us today at 603.769.8981 or contact us online.
