Therapy Methods for Addiction Treatment

Medical and mental health professionals rely on different types of techniques and therapies to treat people dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction.

This article will discuss how addiction is treated, the various therapeutic methods used, and help you find addiction therapy services near you.

How Is Addiction Treated?

Addiction is treated and managed through various evidence-based interventions like therapy or counseling, medication, peer support, and more.¹

Treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is highly individualized and can vary depending on a person’s stage of recovery and individual needs.^1,2  Addiction treatment professionals will use their clinical expertise as well as a consideration of the patient’s preferences, mental and physical health, and unique circumstances to make decisions regarding a person’s care.³

While there isn’t a cure for addiction,¹ effective treatment can help people get sober and live fulfilling lives in recovery.

What Is Addiction Therapy?

Therapy for substance use is one of the most widely used forms of treatment and has been shown to help people significantly reduce or stop substance use by helping them make behavioral changes, cement new skills, and prevent relapse.^1,2

Therapy for addiction encompasses several different types of methods and techniques that are designed to support recovery from addiction. An evidence-based therapy for addiction means that the specific therapy type  has been shown to be effective based on clinical statistics, studies and research for treating substance use disorders. There a few different types of evidence based therapy approaches and therapists may specialize in one or more types of these therapies or they may incorporate a combination.³

Types of Therapy for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Common evidence-based addiction therapies include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which was developed as a way of addressing maladaptive behaviors, such as substance use. CBT is based on the theory that thoughts influence emotions which influence behaviors. A person who receives CBT will learn to identify and challenge negative, incorrect, or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs,  that result in unhealthy behavior, and will also learn relapse prevention strategies, such as self-monitoring to identify and deal with cravings. The goal is for the individual to identify these negative thoughts, develop ways to adopt positive thoughts which can then positively impact their emotions and behaviors into more healthy and adaptable actions toward their recovery. Clinical evidence shows CBT is effective for addiction and can be even more powerful when combined with medication or other types of behavioral therapy.²
• Contingency management (CM), which works via principles of positive reinforcement to produce behavioral change. In CM, people receive motivational incentives, such as tangible prizes, in exchange for passing milestones or attaining goals. This may include negative drug tests or regular therapy attendance. Research shows that CM can increase abstinence as well as keep people in treatment.²
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and motivational interviewing (MI). MET is a form of therapy that uses principles of MI to help a person identify and increase their internal motivation to quickly achieve desired goals. This can help strengthen a person’s motivation to change by promoting a sense of self-efficacy, in that a person feels that they are in control of their lives and have the ability to make changes. MET has been shown to be effective in helping patients remain engaged in treatment. ²
• 12-Step facilitation therapy, which was designed to help people become familiar with and engage in 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This form of therapy is based on principles of acceptance, surrender, and active participation in 12-Step groups. In general, research supports the efficacy of 12-Step facilitation therapy and 12-Step groups in helping people maintain recovery.²

Holistic & Alternative Addiction Therapies

In addition to the evidence-based addiction therapies mentioned above, many rehabs offer complementary, holistic, and alternative therapies to complement a person’s treatment plan. However, alternative and holistic therapies should not be used instead of traditional therapy, but rather as a helpful adjunct.⁸

Some examples of these types of therapy include:^8,9

• Equine therapy, which involves the use of horses to support psychotherapeutic interventions and healing.
• Art and music therapy, which can help people relax and achieve personal creative goals.
• Yoga, which can help alleviate inner and outer tension, promote physical wellness, and reduce stress, thereby potentially enhancing recovery.
• Mindfulness, which promotes nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment, helping people accept what is and supporting mind-body healing.
• Biofeedback, which trains people to regulate autonomic bodily functions (such as blood pressure or heart rate) using machines that measure physical changes in the body.
• Hypnotherapy, where people are guided into a relaxed or altered state of awareness under the guidance of a trained clinician; it may help people manage their responses to triggers.
• Guided imagery and visualization, which involves using the imagination to picture desired goals and outcomes and achieve a relaxed state.

What Is The Most Effective Therapy for Addiction?

Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all, meaning what works for one patient may not work for another. The most effective treatments will be those that address a person’s unique needs. The therapeutic alliance, (relationship between the client and the therapist) has been shown to be one of the strongest predictors for positive addiction recovery outcomes. This involves open communication and trust and sometimes means it may take more a couple of tries to find the right therapist that is the best fit for the client.²

In addition, the various therapeutic methods may have different strengths and goals. For example, research has found that motivational interviewing is more effective at keeping patients engaged in treatment—something that is crucial to the success of treatment—as opposed to specifically increasing abstinence.²

Patients typically receive a combination of therapies and other treatments to help them achieve their treatment goals.²

Types & Levels of Rehab Treatment

People may enter different levels of rehab depending on the severity of their addiction, the substance they misuse, and other factors.²

Behavioral therapy for addiction is often provided in the following treatment levels:

• Detox. This can serve as the first step in the recovery process for many people. Detox can help people safely and comfortably undergo substance withdrawal before continuing treatment. People can expect to receive medical supervision, support, and medication, as appropriate for their needs and depending on the substance they use.²
• Inpatient treatment. This involves living onsite at a rehab for the duration of treatment, where a person will receive 24/7 care and support to address their substance use and its underlying causes and influences.⁴
• Outpatient rehab. People can continue living at home and can attend to other obligations while attending outpatient treatment. It can take place on various levels of intensity depending on a person’s needs, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), or standard outpatient treatment.²
• Sober living. This refers to substance-free residences that provide structure, support, and reintegration assistance after a person has completed a treatment program. Research shows that sober living may be associated with reduced substance use, reduced likelihood of return to use, lower rates of incarceration, increased employment, and better family relationships.⁵

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Substance Use Disorders

People who are facing certain addictions (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, alcohol) may be prescribed medications during and after detox to support ongoing recovery.² Medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, deter substance use, and help people avoid relapse.¹

The use of medication is often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to form a comprehensive treatment plan.⁷

To learn more about whether your insurance plan covers treatment, including medication, please visit our website to verify your insurance.

How Can I Find Addiction Therapy Near Me?

If you’re struggling, or you know someone who is, we are here to help. Recovery is possible, and we can help you navigate the process of finding the right therapy and rehab for your needs. Please call to speak to a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can help you understand different addiction therapy and rehab options, or visit our website to learn more about the admissions process.

Are Rehab Therapies Covered by Insurance?

Yes, most insurance carriers cover addiction treatment, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).⁶ Behavioral therapies are a part of addiction treatment, and most individual and small employer health insurance plans, as well as those offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace, are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services.⁶

Finding Addiction Treatment That Works For You

Finding the right treatment program, including the specific services and approach, for your needs is important for recovery.¹⁰ American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers an individualized, evidence-based approach that is designed to help you achieve your goals and establish and maintain long-term sobriety. We are a leading provider of addiction therapy and treatment in the U.S., with locations across the country.

We’re confident in our treatment programs, which is why we offer a 90-day promise. This means that after you’ve successfully completed 90 consecutive days at an AAC facility, we believe that you have created the most solid foundation for your long-term goals of sobriety. Our various levels of care, from detox to outpatient services, enable you to make steady progress over the course of 90 days. This approach is tailored to your personal growth and individual needs, as evaluated by our clinical team. If you experience a relapse, we will provide you with an additional 30 days of treatment at no cost to you.

When you’re ready to reach out, please contact our free, confidential, and no-obligation helpline at to speak to a caring admissions navigator about your therapy and treatment options. If you’re not ready to talk, you can also view our treatment centers online or access our alcohol and drug addiction textline 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Substance Use Therapies