While people sometimes think that an alcohol or substance abuse problem is defined by physical addiction or heavy daily use, therapists and other experts define it differently.
An alcohol or drug problem can be defined as a pattern of use that causes significant negative consequences in a person’s life. This can include physical, mental, and emotional problems, as well as issues related to work, school, relationships, and other areas of life.
For example, if a person is using alcohol or drugs to the point where it is interfering with their ability to function at work or school, causing financial problems, damaging relationships, or leading to legal problems, they are defined as having an alcohol or drug problem. Additionally, if a person is experiencing physical or mental health problems as a result of their substance use, this also indicates a problem.
Problematic use is related to the psychological need to use alcohol or drugs despite resultant problems it presents. This definition supersedes the frequency of use.
Therapy involves motivational and educational interventions to aid individuals in understanding they may have a substance abuse problem. And then, as needed, aiding the individual to seek other programs or support groups, in addition to individual therapy.
Therapy can be an effective treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, as it can help individuals address underlying psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that contribute to their substance use.
There are several types of therapy that may be used in the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse, including:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use. It can help individuals identify triggers for substance use and develop coping strategies to avoid relapse.
Motivational interviewing (MI): This approach is designed to help individuals identify their own reasons for wanting to change their substance use behavior and develop a plan for making changes. MI is often used in combination with other types of therapy.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This type of therapy focuses on developing skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and reducing impulsive behavior.
Group therapy: This treatment modality provides a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who are also struggling with substance abuse.
Family therapy: This is a very important component of treatment and can help individuals and their families to address interpersonal issues and develop strategies for supporting recovery.
It’s important to note that therapy is often just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for alcohol and substance abuse. Depending on the individual’s needs, medication, support groups, and other forms of treatment may also be recommended.
The Psychotherapy and Training Collective of New York (PTCNY) is an alliance of mental health professionals licensed for independent private practice in New York and other states.
We are also a psychotherapy resource for our readers in providing workshops and articles on various topics pertinent to our field.
Finding a therapist should not be a challenge. PTCNY provides many convenient ways to find a therapist, including searching by Name/Specialty, Areas of Specialization and Geographic Area.
Find a PTCNY Therapist to help with alcohol and drug problems
PTCNY offers a broad range of therapists with many specialties. Below is a curated list of PTCNY therapists who specialize in helping individuals facing alcohol and drug problems.