Clinical Approach
Patients will meet with a therapist to develop self-awareness and achieve personal transformation. Therapists help patients uncover the root cause of their addiction through various questions and interactions. In particular, a high percentage of patients in recovery have co-occurring disorders. Military veterans, for instance, often use drugs to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as do victims of physical and sexual abuse.
The underlying causes of an addiction include:
Clinical treatment focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of addiction and integrates therapy and counselling into a broader treatment plan. Patients in treatment engage with knowledgeable therapists to understand how addiction occurs and are screened for any possible co-occurring disorders, processes which continue throughout the patient’s time in treatment. Therapists will evaluate patients for underlying factors, such as guilt and shame while tackling core issues. Therapists also assess patient’s backgrounds to gain an understanding of their upbringing, along with current feelings or issues, in order to help identify goals and create an individualized treatment plan.
There are many different types of clinical treatments. Therapists will help determine which types of therapy best meet the individual needs of a patient after meeting with them and completing initial assessments. This holistic approach treats clients physically through a detox program (medicated if required) and treats the psychological and mental health of clients and their families’ through a mix of proven therapeutic approaches including
Trauma resolution unearths underlying reasons for addiction, encouraging empowerment in the patient via psycho-education. Trauma resolution is where many patients get to fully delve into their past to discover how it impacts their current problems. Patients may discover a single incident, its aftermath being largely responsible for their addiction, or they may find out that there are a number of problems.
Psychotherapy delves into the mind of the patient and offers problem-solving solutions to addiction. Patients can connect thoughts and feelings for self-awareness. Psychotherapy explores any underlying challenges to addiction, including co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a successful, evidence-based therapy (EBT) commonly used in the treatment of substance use disorders. Individuals with substance use disorders often have negative, unhealthy patterns of thinking. CBT is effective at helping individuals identify self-defeating thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, all of which may drive their addiction. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and behaviours, while also improving emotional regulation. It further addresses the need to develop problem-solving skills, as well as healthy coping strategies.
Relapse prevention techniques are included in many treatment plans to prevent future drug or alcohol use. As patients gain insight on how to refuse drugs and alcohol, they can re-prioritize other valuable elements of their life. Life skills coaching is also an important part of relapse prevention, as it teaches skills that help treatment seekers make the right choices.
Most rehab facilities offer access to 12-Step or 12-Step-oriented programs. These programs are largely based on Alcoholics Anonymous, the world’s largest alcoholism support group, and help patients establish a sense of community with others struggling with the same issues. Many 12-step groups use spiritual teachings and practices, encouraging patients to also alter destructive habits and acknowledge a higher power. 12-Step programs are often a recovering addict’s primary source of support after they leave rehab, and often help maintain sobriety indefinitely.
In group therapy, patients gain the support of staff and patients. Some groups focus on 12-Step oriented practices, but may also include mindfulness and meditation practices, psycho-education focuses, stress reduction, and connection. Other topics often covered in group therapy include relapse prevention skills and techniques, healthy boundaries, communication skills, therapeutic activities, and cognitive enhancement skills. Some facilities offer peer-led groups to encourage the flow of positive energy and the sacredness of patients healing in a positive space.
Multidimensional Family Therapy, also known as Family Systems Therapy (FST), is an evidence-based therapeutic method utilized by many clinicians during treatment for substance use disorders, as addiction is often described as a family disease. Individuals are inseparable from their relationships; therefore, it is important to develop or make current ones healthier. FST is based on the belief that changes in the behaviour of one family member are likely to have an influence on the way the family functions over time. It is believed that every member affects each other, and there is a chain-reaction that occurs when one does good or bad. During FST, the family works individually and together to resolve a problem that directly affects one or more family members. Family members explore their individual roles within the family, learn how to switch roles, and also learn how to support each other while expressing their personal needs.
Patients embrace creativity during writing, music, and art therapy. For example, reflection writing classes are offered by skilled personnel to prompt the patient. These creative outlets help patients connect to their pain and addiction in a healthy manner, leading them to self-discovery. Art, such as music and drawing, is a healthy outlet and form of self-expression
After patients complete rehab, they can remain connected to fellow patients and staff through alumni programs to build support and prevent relapses. Examples include private social media groups, organized 12-Step meetings, and more. Alumni programs offer support in many ways and greatly aid participants in maintaining sobriety.
Our qualified team has over 30 years’ experience in the medical and AOD sector. Staff combine their qualifications with their own lived experience with addiction and recovery. Meet the team.
Staff have a range of qualifications including: