Substance Abuse Therapy Is The Bridge That Connects...

Becoming sober is one thing, staying sober is something else. Substance abuse therapy is the bridge that connects becoming clean and staying clean. Substance abuse therapy comes in many shapes and sizes and goes by many names. Examples include cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, acceptance and commitment, and motivational therapy. Other are contingency management, group, couples, and family therapy. The names are less important than their purpose. Therapy helps you gain insight into why you became addicted and what you will need to do to become and remain substance-free. Therapy must be an integral part of a comprehensive treatment program if sobriety is to take a firm and lasting hold. The next seven sections of this chapter focus on†¦show more content†¦Maintaining unhealthy associations is one of the most powerful of all factors promoting relapse. Here are a few suggestions to avoid these negative associations: †¢ Change your phone number. †¢ Never respond to calls or texts from your former drug dealers expressing concern for your welfare. Their only concern is to regain your business and to make you once again a regular customer. Their loss is your gain. †¢ Permanently separate from substance abusers. I am not saying they are bad people; I am saying they represent unhealthy associations. †¢ If the temptation to use is too great, consider moving. This option may seem drastic, but recovery must be your highest priority. †¢ Develop friendships with individuals who don’t abuse substances. †¢ Exercise on a regular basis. You will feel the difference. †¢ Make time to enjoy yourself without using substances. †¢ Reduce idle time. Spend more time with family and non-using friends. Idle time is the drug-devils workshop. †¢ Appreciate that money that would have been wasted on drugs now stays with you. The emotional reward is enormous. †¢ Add a spiritual component if you have a religious affiliation. One of the most commonly asked questions is how to go about developing healthy and supportive friendships. Since approximately 10 percent of the adult population abuses substances (not including tobacco), the majority of people you can choose to associate with will not be