How can a therapist help the family of a drug addict?
When it comes to drug addiction, it is not just the individual with the addiction who suffers but the whole family. Moreover, a therapist can validate the experiences of each family member, help them learn ways to deal with the addicted member’s behaviours while being supportive of recovery, identify interactional patterns that unintentionally end up fuelling the addiction, as well as repair impaired relationships and strengthen them within the family.
How many sessions are required with a therapist for drug addiction treatment?
The number of sessions required with a therapist depends on many factors such as type of addiction, other co-existing mental health conditions, severity of the addiction, willingness of the addict to recover, other personal issues and life stressors that contribute to the addiction and how long it takes to resolve them, etc. Therapy is not an instant fix but helps the person gradually. Even after having recovered, follow-up therapy sessions could ensure that a person is able to work out the triggers and learn ways to cope with them as there is always a risk of relapse.
What is the role of a therapist for treating drug addiction?
A therapist can help a person overcome their drug addiction and maintain sobriety by helping addicts identify their triggers and learn ways to cope with them, learn strategies to avoid drugs, explore and resolve other issues related to work, relationships, family, etc., and address other mental health conditions.
Is a therapist part of the professional team in a rehab for drug addiction?
Yes, therapists are available for regular consultations in a rehab facility that help a person with drug addiction explore the triggers and contributing factors of their addiction, learn coping strategies, and prevent a relapse. Other professionals include psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, doctors, physiotherapists, etc.
