Evidence-Based Practices for addiction are beneficial because they provide a framework for treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has studied, evaluated, and approved these practices. As a result, these practices have received scientific validation. They are proven to help individuals recover from addiction. 

At Southeast Detox, we believe in providing therapeutic mental health treatments. Our goal is to get to the bottom of addictive reactions. Once we do, we help our clients cope without substances for long-term recovery.

Significance of Scientific Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction

These evidence-based practices are encouraging. They help individuals struggling with severe substance abuse and mental health challenges. Hope is within reach. 

A mental health professional will guide those who elect evidence-based treatment. This allows our therapists to integrate research and clinical knowledge into treatment methods.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment effective for various disorders. These include depression and anxiety disorders and substance use issues. It also helps those with marital problems, eating disorders, and mental illness. Evidence-based research shows that CBT significantly improves functioning and quality of life.  

CBT effectively treats individuals with addiction disorders. CBT focuses on problem-solving and changing negative thought patterns. In addition, it is a goal-oriented approach. This sets our clients up for success because they work with their therapists to set realistic benchmarks for recovery.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment. It’s a standard psychological service used to treat addiction. DBT effectively treats many other disorders. Those include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

DBT helps clients who struggle with managing their emotions and relationships and individuals considering self-harm. This treatment is ideal for individuals with emotion regulation, impulse control, and social difficulties. 

Family Therapy

Family therapy helps break the family cycle of addiction. Because learned behaviors are shared within a family unit, discussing substance abuse together benefits everyone. With a therapist, the family members and client will work to understand how the family dynamics play a role in addiction.   

During family therapy, the therapist guides the family unit into having meaningful discussions. The goal is to improve communication and relationships. The family learns communication skills and how to constructively problem solve using practical strategies. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy involves two or more individuals working in a session together with a therapist. Having a support system of peers is essential to recovery. During group therapy, each participant takes turns expressing their struggles, feelings, experiences, and goals to maintain long-term recovery.

Our therapists tailor the sessions to specific topics that benefit each person. Those topics include avoiding their substance use triggers, strategies for approaching social settings, and building healthy relationships, among other individualized issues.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can lessen withdrawal symptoms depending on the severity of our clients’ addiction. MAT uses a combination of prescription medications and counseling to help people continue their recovery. Research has shown that this level of service is effective for working toward long-term recovery and teaches our clients how to build a recovery lifestyle. 

We use several different medications for addiction treatment:

• Antidepressants are used to control the nerves that send messages throughout the body. They also regulate serotonin, which stabilizes mood.
  
• Mood stabilizers control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include Liithobid, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Equetro, and Lamictal.
  
• Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines help with anxiety and improve sleep. These are used on a short-term basis.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a set of techniques our therapists use to prevent our clients from returning to destructive behaviors and thinking. The therapist assists the client with identifying triggers and exchanging them for positive behaviors. The goal for this component of a treatment plan is long-term recovery by preventing addictive behaviors. 

12-Step Facilitation

12-Step programs provide guiding principles by which to live. The program is similar in format to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Our clients learn to take responsibility for their actions while joining a supportive community. This promotes personal growth and relationship stability. 

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapy is an alternative treatment service that focuses on the whole person, not just specific addiction-related symptoms. Our therapists consider our clients’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, allowing them to achieve balance and develop coping skills.

We use several holistic therapy services, including the following:

• Yoga is a therapeutic practice that alleviates the symptoms of addiction because of its positive impact on mental health. We combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to encourage our clients to be in the present. Our guided meditation facilitates peaceful visualizations and leads to a state of reduced stress and peace.
  
• Meditation helps manage disorders such as addiction. Our clients are better able to understand their emotions and respond to them in positive ways. Meditation also reduces stress and anxiety while improving the overall quality of life.
  
• Chiropractic care can take a toll on the body. Individuals can suffer from muscle tension, headaches, and chronic pain. Chiropractic care can help relieve these symptoms by realigning the spine and reducing tension. This can help improve overall physical comfort and reduce the risk of relapse to substances for pain relief. Chiropractic care is also helpful with mental health disorders. 

Southeast Detox’s Evidence-Based Approaches for Conquering Substance Abuse

If you or a loved one is seeking support to end the cycle of addiction, evidence-based approaches can help improve your quality of life. Stopping cold turkey or on your own could lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.

These can be difficult and potentially dangerous if not managed properly. Southeast Detox’s rehabilitation and treatment options can help with the physical and psychological side effects. 

Southeast Detox’s admissions process begins with an initial medical evaluation and assessment. After that, we develop your treatment plans, including medication-assisted treatment, CBT, DBT, and other behavioral therapy methods.

Speaking to one of our caring team members is vital to determine the best action and starting recovery. Contact us now by calling (706) 873-9955 or emailing us at info@southeastdetoxga.com.