Treatment Approaches

Treatment is tailored to a person's specific background and needs. For example, drug of choice, age, medical condition(s), religious beliefs, and lifestyle are all considered when designing a treatment plan, making the treatment person-centered.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT is used to strengthen self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without engaging in substance abuse.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues shift behavior in positive ways. It is goal-oriented, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.