Unless you've been to a drug rehab center before, most people will have no idea what to expect once they make that 30 day (or longer) commitment. Countless television shows and movies have portrayed rehab programs in a largely unrealistic light, although in most cases it's clear that sobriety is obtained by attending many groups and counseling sessions. However, few people understand what therapies are employed by drug rehab centers and why they work. Addiction is a complicated disease that requires substantial treatment efforts not only on the part of the addict, but also on the clinicians and counselors they work with. Striking a balance between individualized treatment plans and tried and true traditional therapies is something that only an experienced addiction professional and a dedicated patient can do. The following is an explanation of the therapies used by successful substance abuse treatment programs.

The U.S. government and most insurers have mandated that treatment centers engage in evidence based practices, and this is a term that a person in rehab might hear a lot without fully understanding its meaning. Evidence based practices are therapies and treatment methods that have been tested using various scientific methods and have been set out in a specific manner and approved by the appropriate government and public health bodies. This means that only practices that have demonstrable success can be used in most centers as a primary focus of treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapies is also something that a person in recovery might hear a great deal. This refers to counseling techniques that help patients to understand that it is okay that some things are out of their control, while also teaching them that many things are within their control. The key is to recognize the difference and act accordingly. In this way a person can see that they are largely responsible for how they interact with the world and the consequences or benefits that might result from those interactions. And being that actions can only happen in the here-and-now, patients are able to focus on what is happening at the moment.

Reality Therapy deals with issues related to the relationships in our lives. This theory operates on the principle that the cause of most problems is the state of relationships in our lives. When we are satisfied with the relationships in our lives we can progress, but if we are unhappy or unfulfilled in this regard inner turmoil will exist that can precipitate drug use. Reality therapy, also called choice therapy, works by identifying what a person's relationship needs are and creating an achievable plan to make those needs a reality.

Reality therapy also refers to the practice of requiring clients in a rehab setting to take responsibility for their own basic care. In this regard some drug rehab centers require their clients to cook, clean, shop and otherwise make all needed arrangements for themselves including attending various appointments and functions within and outside the treatment center.

Specific therapies that fall under the umbrella of the therapies mentioned above include:

Individual Therapy - one on one counseling sessions

Group Therapy - multiple rehab patients sharing in a facilitated group setting

Family Therapy - inclusion of family members in treatment where appropriate

To learn more about what these therapies can do for you or your loved one, please use one of the links below.