Therapy encompasses a range of interventions designed to address addiction, helping individuals overcome dependence and build healthier lives. Therapy addresses addiction and mental health disorders through structured interventions designed for individuals to identify triggers, modify behaviors, and achieve sustainable recovery. Therapy provides a safe space to explore underlying issues contributing to dependency. 43% of U.S. adults who needed substance use or mental health care in the past year did not receive it, with numerous barriers to access standing in their way, according to the “2022 Access to Care Survey” conducted online by The Harris Poll for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The main types of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IT), Expressive Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy.
The benefits of therapy are emotional stability, resilience, and enhanced coping mechanisms. It aids in managing cravings, restoring self-esteem, and fostering accountability, all essential for maintaining long-term sobriety. Between 2019 and 2021, the percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19.2% to 21.6%. In 2021, the highest treatment rate was observed in the 18–44 age group (23.2%), followed by those aged 45–64 (21.2%) and adults aged 65 and older (18.9%), as seen in an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Choosing the right therapy ensures alignment with the individual’s needs, addiction severity, and personal circumstances, ultimately optimizing recovery outcomes. Evaluating therapy options with a professional ensures the approach aligns with individual goals and maximizes the likelihood of recovery success. Seek programs that thoroughly evaluate patient medical history to determine the most suitable level of care. This assessment classifies whether a facility meets the patient’s needs or if alternative treatment options are more appropriate.
What Is Therapy?
Therapy is a structured process of psychological, emotional, or behavioral intervention designed to address challenges, promote personal growth, and improve overall well-being. In the context of addiction treatment, therapy centers around helping individuals overcome substance dependence by identifying underlying issues, developing coping strategies, and fostering healthier habits.
The main purpose of therapy in addiction treatment is to provide individuals with the tools to manage cravings, address emotional triggers, and build a foundation for long-term recovery. Therapy improves life by enhancing emotional resilience, repairing relationships, and restoring a sense of purpose and control.
The role of a therapist is to guide, support, and empower individuals through their recovery journey. Therapists use evidence-based techniques to address addiction-related challenges, facilitate self-discovery, and promote behavioral change, offering a safe space for growth and healing. The number of therapists available varies depending on which professionals are encompassed under the umbrella of therapy.
As of 2022, there were 388,200 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the United States, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 18% growth rate for these roles by 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations. In the same year, Therapy 4 the People estimated approximately 530,000 therapists for a U.S. population of 330 million. Their breakdown covered 106,000 clinical psychologists, 250,000 clinical social workers, 120,000 licensed counselors, and 50,000 marriage and family therapists.
What Does Therapy Help With?
Therapy helps with a range of mental health disorders and substance abuse conditions. A common mental illness is depression, offering strategies to manage symptoms and improve mood; eating disorders, by promoting healthy eating patterns and body image; stress, through tools to enhance coping skills and reduce its impact; lower self-esteem, by fostering self-awareness and confidence; and substance abuse, by addressing dependency, identifying triggers, and supporting long-term sobriety.
According to Dauber, H.’s 2018 study, ‘Co-occurring Mental Disorders in Substance Abuse Treatment: the Current Health Care Situation in Germany’, the prevalence of comorbid diagnoses differed significantly between treatment settings: 4.6% in outpatient settings versus 50.7% in inpatient settings. Mood and anxiety disorders represented the most prevalent additional diagnoses in both settings. Patients with comorbid disorders received higher rates of complementary internal and external psychiatric treatment, more cooperation, and more referrals after treatment. These patients also demonstrated positive treatment process outcomes. The research indicates that knowledge of additional diagnoses directly influences health care provision for affected patients and constitutes an essential precondition for providing adequate and comprehensive treatment. The authors reported no conflicts of interest in conducting this research.
What Are the Types of Therapy?
The types of therapy are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Expressive Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy. Each type of therapy offers a unique approach to addiction treatment, and a combination of therapies is used to address the different aspects of recovery.
The most common types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors. It addresses the psychological aspects of addiction and promotes healthier coping strategies.
According to McHugh, R.K.’s 2010 study, ‘Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders’, 60% of CBT patients maintained clean toxicology screens at 52-week follow-up for cocaine dependence. CBT demonstrates moderate effectiveness with an effect size of 0.45 across 34 trials involving 2,340 patients. Cannabis treatment shows the strongest results, followed by cocaine and opioids, with poly-substance dependence showing the least improvement. Contingency management approaches outperform other CBT variants and treatment effects remain durable over time.
Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play for individuals, particularly children, to express their feelings and work through emotional difficulties. It is effective for treating anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues found in addiction recovery to address underlying emotional distress.
Therapeutic play, including play therapy, is a well-established practice grounded in various psychological theories. Both qualitative and quantitative research demonstrate their effectiveness across diverse situations. Recent findings from Play Therapy UK (PTUK), an organization affiliated with Play Therapy International (PTI), indicate that 71% of children referred to play therapy exhibit positive changes.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on discovering and challenging negative thought patterns to alter behaviors. In addiction recovery, individuals reframe irrational beliefs and develop healthier coping strategies through cognitive therapy (CT).
According to Asmundson, G. J. G.’s 2018 study “A Meta-Analytic Review of Cognitive Processing Therapy for Adults with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,” a review of 11 trials involving 1,130 participants compared Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to inactive controls and other PTSD treatments. The analysis found that 89% of participants treated with CPT demonstrated better outcomes than those in the control group immediately after treatment, with 82% maintaining these improvements at follow-up.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes creative expression to explore emotions and reduce stress. Art therapy is useful in addiction treatment by empowering individuals to express feelings they find difficult to verbalize through art therapy.
According to Kaimal, G.’s 2016 study, ‘Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making’, creating art substantially cuts cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. In a study of 39 adults aged 18 to 59, participants engaged in 45 minutes of art-making, with cortisol levels measured before and after the session. Results showed that 75% experienced a drop in cortisol, regardless of prior artistic experience. Notably, younger participants exhibited slightly greater decreases in cortisol. These findings underscore art-making’s effectiveness in managing stress.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a therapeutic approach that supports individuals in reframing their life stories in a way that empowers them. It aids in addiction recovery by allowing patients to rewrite their narratives, promoting self-empowerment and minimizing shame.
According to Lely, J. C. G.’s 2019 study, ‘The effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy: a review, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis’, Narrative therapy majorly cuts PTSD symptoms, achieving a large effect size of approximately 54% post-treatment and 62% at follow-up. This approach fosters personal empowerment and self-awareness by reframing challenges as external problems.
Interpersonal Therapy (IT)
Interpersonal therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on improving communication skills and resolving relationship issues. For addiction recovery, Interpersonal therapy helps individuals rebuild healthy relationships, which is a key part of long-term sobriety.
According to Gamble, S. A.’s 2013 study, “A Pilot Study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for Alcohol Dependent Women with Co-occurring Major Depression.”Throughout treatment, participants reported huge falls in their drinking behavior. Women’s percentage of days abstinent from alcohol (PDA) improved substantially from baseline and reached nearly 90% by the end of treatment.
Expressive Therapy
Expressive therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses creative methods like dance, music, and drama to help individuals express emotions. In addiction recovery, expressive therapy is poignant as it provides a non-verbal outlet for processing complex feelings.
According to Leung, H.’s 2018 study, ‘Evaluation of “Colorful Life”: A Multi-Addiction Expressive Arts Intervention Program for Adolescents of Addicted Parents and Parents with Addiction’, expressive arts therapy showed significant benefits for both adolescents with addicted parents and parents with addiction. The evaluation revealed improvements in addiction beliefs and psychosocial competencies, with high participant satisfaction. The therapy effectively helped participants express emotions, enhance interactions, and develop coping skills. For adolescents, the engaging nature of art therapy increased participation while enabling better emotional expression. These findings support the effectiveness of expressive arts approaches in addiction intervention programs for both vulnerable adolescents and parents.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is a holistic approach that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to improve emotional regulation and mental health. In addiction recovery, yoga therapy supports recovery by diminishing stress, enhancing mindfulness, and cultivating emotional stability.
According to Kuppili, P. P.’s 2018 study, ‘Role of Yoga in Management of Substance-use Disorders: A Narrative Review’, yoga interventions demonstrate significant benefits for substance use disorders. Studies show 65% of participants achieved tobacco abstinence with Sudarshan Kriya yoga practices, while 95% reported reduced cravings. Randomized controlled trials confirm yoga decreases smoking urges compared to control conditions. For alcohol disorders, yoga reduced depression scores and stress hormones. In opioid dependence treatment, yoga improved mood and quality of life, particularly when combined with standard medications. For cocaine users, yoga reduced stress levels and improved psychological measures. The evidence supports yoga as an effective complementary intervention for various types of addiction.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy that focuses on the individual’s personal issues and recovery goals. Individual therapy grants tailored support to address the root causes of substance abuse. Several therapeutic approaches commonly used in this context include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
CBT is for individuals to explore and modify harmful thought patterns that bring about substance use, promoting healthier behaviors and coping strategies. DBT builds on CBT by emphasizing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it effective for individuals with co-occurring disorders. MI, on the other hand, is a client-centered approach that strengthens motivation and commitment to change, especially for those ambivalent about quitting substances.
68% of individuals who complete drug and alcohol detox programs report successful treatment outcomes, as noted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of therapy that involves sessions with multiple participants, offering peer support and shared experiences. It fosters a sense of community and mutual encouragement. Specific activities in group therapy include sharing personal stories to gain insight and empathy, practicing relapse prevention techniques, and exploring emotional triggers in a group setting. The therapy incorporates psychoeducation, where participants learn about addiction’s psychological and physiological aspects to understand their behavior and make informed choices. Peer feedback provides diverse perspectives and promotes accountability.
According to Kaskutas L. A.’s 2009 study, ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Effectiveness: Faith Meets Science’, AA participation produces significant outcomes. Weekly AA attendance leads to 70% of participants achieving alcohol abstinence at 2-year follow-up. Those with 27 weeks or more of sustained AA attendance showed 70% abstinence rates at the 16-year follow-up mark. Participants with shorter attendance duration demonstrated lower abstinence rates. The dose-response relationship appears nearly linear, with more 12-step meetings directly correlating to higher abstinence rates. Regular AA attendance doubles abstinence rates compared to non-attendance. Long-term engagement with AA results in better outcomes, particularly when attendance occurs during the first year and years 4-8 of recovery.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a therapeutic approach that bolsters family dynamics and communication. In addiction treatment, family therapy heals relationships impacted by substance abuse and encourages a supportive home environment for lasting recovery.
According to Liddle, H. A.’s 1995 study, ‘Efficacy of family therapy for drug abuse: Promising but not definitive.’, family therapy for drug abuse successfully engages users in treatment, reduces drug consumption, and improves prosocial functioning. Studies confirm family interventions reduce dropout rates compared to individual therapies and demonstrate superior results to non-family approaches, particularly for adolescents. Despite limited studies with methodological constraints, the field shows substantial progress in treating substance abuse with family-based approaches.
What Are the Benefits of Therapy?
The benefits of therapy are addressing underlying psychological issues, developing coping mechanisms, improving self-awareness, providing emotional support, preventing relapse, building healthy relationships, cutting co-occurring mental health issues, and boosting self-esteem. Therapy furnishes emotional support, allows individuals to discover the underlying causes of their addiction, and qualifies them with the tools they need to maintain long-term sobriety.
The benefits of therapy include:
- Addressing underlying psychological issues: Therapy identifies the root causes of addiction, such as trauma or mental health conditions, and works to address these issues.
- Coping mechanisms development: Therapy rigs individuals with healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers that contribute to addiction.
- Improved self-awareness: Therapy encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, pivoting individuals to understand their behavior and make informed decisions in recovery.
- Emotional support: Therapy ensures a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, reducing isolation and building emotional resilience.
- Relapse prevention: Therapy narrows down on identifying triggers for relapse and deriving strategies to avoid or cope with these situations.
- Building healthy relationships: Therapy augments communication skills and repairs relationships damaged by addiction, eliciting healthier connections with loved ones.
- Reducing co-occurring mental health issues: Therapy tackles mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which accompany addiction, leading to better mental well-being. The National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study revealed that 16.5% of individuals with lifetime major depression also had an alcohol use disorder, as reported by Quello et al. 2005 in “Mood Disorders and Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Comorbidity.”
- Boosting self-esteem: Therapy rebuilds self-confidence and self-worth, which are diminished during active addiction by working through addiction issues.
How To Choose the Right Therapy?
To choose the right therapy, consider factors such as the type and severity of addiction, personal preferences, and the therapist’s expertise. Different therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), or group therapy, offer varying approaches, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your needs and recovery goals.
Here are the common factors to consider when selecting the right therapy:
Type And Severity Of Addiction
When choosing therapy for addiction, factors such as the type and severity of addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, and individual patient characteristics influence the decision. Severity determines treatment intensity and approach. Co-existing conditions require integrated care to improve outcomes. Patient-specific factors, including age, motivation, and support systems, affect therapy choice and success. Accessibility, affordability, and potential side effects influence practical considerations. Tailoring therapy based on these factors enhances effectiveness and supports sustained recovery.
Personal Preferences
Personal preferences refer to an individual’s unique likes, comfort levels, and values regarding therapy. These preferences influence the choice of therapy by matching the approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, or group therapy, to what feels most suitable and supportive for the person’s recovery goals. Selecting a therapy that resonates personally increases engagement and the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Different Therapies
Different therapies provide various strategies to address addiction, each with unique techniques and benefits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and group therapy each offer distinct approaches to addiction treatment. CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns, teaching coping skills to manage triggers.
MI focuses on enhancing motivation to change through collaborative conversations. Group therapy creates support through shared experiences, combining techniques from CBT and MI to build community and strengthen recovery.
A skilled therapist customizes the treatment to your unique circumstances, ensuring that it addresses the rudimentary causes of addiction and supports long-term recovery.
Therapist Qualifications
Therapist qualifications include credentials, licensing, and areas of expertise. A licensed professional, such as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), meets educational and training standards.
Specialization in addiction treatment and experience with co-occurring disorders enhance therapist effectiveness.
Therapist’s approach aligns with client preferences, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Personal rapport ensures the therapist creates a comfortable and understanding environment.
Registration with professional organizations and adherence to ethical guidelines guarantee high-quality care.
The “NAATP Treatment Selection Guide” by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers advises caution with providers focused solely on financial information or those who neglect comprehensive medical evaluations.
Therapy Session Cost
The cost of therapy sessions is an average of $100-$240. Traditional mental health therapy sessions in the United States cost between $100 and $200 per session. Online therapy sessions, depending on the platform and therapist, range from $70 to $110. When using insurance, your out-of-pocket cost (copay) differs, oscillating from $0 to $30 per session, depending on your plan. This data is supported by the National Council on Aging (2024) in “How Much Does Therapy Cost?” and other industry sources.
In Springfield, subject to the provider and the type of therapy offered, the average you expect to pay is between $135 and $240 for a session at self-pay rates, with the first intake session being priced at the higher end. Many therapists also accept insurance, which cuts back your out-of-pocket expenses to as low as $0–$50 per session, contingent on your insurance plan and co-pay arrangements. It’s advisable to check with local providers for specific pricing details based on your insurance or self-pay preferences.
Therapy Effectiveness for Addiction Treatment
Therapy is 50-75% effective for addiction treatment, especially CBT. Therapy works for individuals to manage the psychological and emotional elements contributing to addiction, escalating the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. Therapy is superlatively productive in treating addiction, especially when combined with other treatment modalities such as medication or detoxification.
According to Pybis, J.’s 2017 study, ‘The comparative effectiveness and efficiency of cognitive behaviour therapy and generic counselling in the treatment of depression: evidence from the 2nd UK National Audit of psychological therapies’, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has an effectiveness rate of 50-75%, mainly trimming substance use and supporting long-term recovery, making it a key component in addiction treatment programs. In a large-scale study of 33,243 patients, CBT illustrated a recovery rate of 62.2% after 18 sessions, compared to 44.4% for counseling at the same session count. After 20 sessions, CBT’s recovery rate remained high at 62.4%, while counseling’s dropped to 42.6%. These findings suggest that while both therapies are effective, CBT tends to achieve higher recovery rates as session numbers increase.
How Is Therapy Used in Addiction Treatment?
Therapy is used in addiction treatment to address the psychological, emotional, and behavioral components of substance dependence. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps patients in recovery by identifying negative thought patterns, managing triggers, and developing coping strategies to prevent relapse. Additionally, group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals share experiences, while family therapy works to repair relationships and improve communication.
According to Cuijpers, P’s 2023 study, ‘Cognitive behavior therapy vs. control conditions, other psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and combined treatment for depression: a comprehensive meta‐analysis including 409 trials with 52,702 patients’, CBT reduced depression symptoms by 79% compared to control conditions. CBT outperformed other psychotherapies by 6%. While CBT showed similar effectiveness to medications in the short term, it produced 34% better outcomes after 6-12 months. The treatment proved effective across different formats: as unguided self-help (45% improvement), in institutional settings (65% improvement), and for children and adolescents (41% improvement). These results confirm CBT’s effectiveness across different formats, ages, target groups, and settings, with particularly strong long-term benefits compared to medication alone.
How Long Does It Take for Therapy to Work?
For therapy to work, patients typically require 15-20 sessions before showing measurable recovery according to self-reported symptom measures. According to the American Psychological Association, ‘How Long Will It Take for Treatment to Work?’, Research demonstrates a positive relationship between treatment duration and clinical outcomes. Much evidence-based psychological treatments achieve significant improvements within 12-16 weekly sessions. Some patients and therapists extend treatment to 20-30 sessions over six months to achieve complete symptom remission and develop sustainable coping skills.
Individuals with co-occurring conditions or complex personality difficulties require 12-18 months of treatment to see effective results. Only a minority of patients need extensive ongoing support such as maintenance therapy. Treatment length aligns with the nature and severity of presenting difficulties. Acute issues require fewer sessions than chronic conditions. Regular evaluation of progress ensures optimal outcomes.
Can Therapy Help with Childhood Trauma?
Yes, therapy can help with childhood trauma, which accentuates addiction. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma often seek therapy to process traumatic memories, gain emotional insight, and evolve, mending coping frameworks to move forward.
According to Capezza, N. M.,’s 2012 study, ‘Rates of trauma-informed counseling at substance abuse treatment facilities: reports from over 10,000 programs’, data from 13,223 substance abuse treatment facilities surveyed in 2009 revealed that 66.6% reported frequent use of trauma counseling, with those offering moderate to high levels more likely to provide additional services such as disease testing, specialized group therapy, child care, and employment counseling. Programs with low rates of trauma counseling require further training and resources.
Why Choose Ethan Crossing for Addiction Treatment Therapy in Springfield, Ohio?
Choose Ethan Crossing for addiction treatment therapy in Springfield, Ohio, because we provide personalized, comprehensive care with expert staff, evidence-based therapies, and multiple program options tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Our comprehensive addiction treatment therapy includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, 12-step programs, and specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders. With options ranging from detox services to residential care and outpatient programs, we create individualized treatment plans that address both addiction and mental health needs while offering family engagement opportunities and holistic approaches like yoga and music therapy.
