Behavioral therapy refers to a variety of different programs that treat mental health and substance use disorders. Its goal is to identify and change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. The idea is that all behaviors are learned, and so unhealthy behaviors can be changed.
One type of behavior therapy is called contingency management. Patients receiving this type of treatment gain incentives or rewards for meeting specific behavioral goals, such as going a certain amount of time without a positive drug test. This can be very effective in the short term, but unfortunately, after the therapy is over and the patient is no longer receiving rewards, they may revert back to old behavior. There is also a cost involved in providing rewards, which can be a barrier for facilities without much funding.
Cognitive behavior approaches, which includes relapse prevention, place an emphasis on understanding the causes and consequences of drug use, as well as skills training. The goal is for the patient to be able to recognize the situations or in which he or she is most vulnerable to drug use, avoid those high-risk situations whenever possible, and come up with ways to cope in those situations if they cannot be avoided.
Motivational interviewing helps people overcome ambivalence and insecurities in order to allow them to find the motivation to make a change. The role of the interviewer is mainly to listen.
Family’s or couples’ therapy include loved ones in the treatment so that they can be involved in discussing the effects of substance abuse that directly affect the user’s family, such as unemployment or mistreatment of a child. It also teaches family members about providing support and helping to avoid situations where relapse might happen.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy, or CBT, was developed as a method to prevent relapse. It takes a hands-on approach, anticipating likely problems and helping patients develop effective coping strategies. This might include discussing the consequences of continued drug use and developing strategies for coping with cravings. CBT is meant to change a person’s attitude and overcome instinctual negative thoughts. It encourages you to always look for perspective before jumping to conclusions.
Voucher-Based Reinforcement (VBR) is somewhat similar to contingency management, in that the patient receives a voucher for every drug-free test. The voucher has monetary value and can be exchanged for food items, movie passes, or other goods or services that might help the patient develop interests or find enjoyment outside of drug use.
Prize Incentives has similar principles as VBR, but it involves an element of chance in winning cash prizes. Over the course of the program, participants who are proven drug-free draw from a bowl for the chance to win a prize. They may also receive draws for attending counseling sessions or meeting other goals.
At Asana Recovery, we offer both residential and outpatient programs that provide education, counseling, and therapy. Our consulting physicians specialize in addiction and behavioral health, and our counselors and therapists are certified and licensed. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more.
