Addiction Recovery Programs in Saint Paul, MN

Individual and group therapy play a big role in most recovery programs, and it's common for recovering individuals to continue attending therapy sessions after they complete their initial treatment. Many people participate in 12-step programs along with their standard recovery programs; these programs place no time limits on their members, and participants are invited to continue attending meetings for the rest of their lives.

The recovery programs designed around the 12 steps are usually intended for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Attending meetings allows participants to meet like-minded people who share the same challenges and goals. These recovery programs place an emphasis on personal responsibility, and they remind recovering addicts not to blame others for their past behavior.

Call Saint Paul Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.

Addiction Treatment Approaches

Most treatment programs include therapies that are based on a few standard approaches. One of these approaches is the cognitive-behavior model, which is based on the idea that a person's thoughts have a major influence on their behavior.

In a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) session, patients learn how to recognize the negative thought patterns that may be influencing their addictive behavior; over time, they can modify those thought patterns and change their behavior. CBT is a proactive therapeutic technique, and patients are encouraged to practice the skills they learned and complete certain assignments before their next session.

Motivational interviewing is another well-known approach toward addiction treatment. This type of counseling is designed to inspire the desire to change in a patient. During a motivational interviewing session, the therapist engages in collaborative communication with the patient, but doesn't try to convince the patient to change. Patients must feel motivated to change on their own.

Many treatment centers use motivational incentives in conjunction with traditional addiction treatment and relapse prevention techniques. The basis of this approach is simple: A person's behavior can be influenced by a desire for external rewards. Addiction treatment programs apply this principle to help patients complete their treatment and stay on track after they leave rehab. A research study that monitored patients at 400 community-based clinics found that motivational incentives were effective in reducing drug use in these recovering individuals.

Traditional and Alternative Therapeutic Techniques

Many different techniques can be used by addiction treatment centers to complement the standard combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and medication. Some of these techniques will incorporate elements of the basic addiction treatment models, while other therapies may be categorized as alternative addiction treatments.

One alternative technique that has gained popularity at drug treatment centers is restorative yoga. The practice of yoga requires controlled breathing and quiet meditation, and it can promote feelings of inner peace, tranquility and empowerment. Used as a complement to evidence-based addiction treatment, restorative yoga can help recovering individuals stay strong and avoid a relapse.

Art therapy is another alternative treatment that has become a common offering at addiction treatment centers. Some people have a difficult time putting painful emotions into words, but the process of creating art can provide a safe way to release those feelings. Art therapy also helps participants handle emotional conflicts and become more self-aware. No artistic experience is necessary to participate in an art therapy session: The focus is on creativity and self-expression.

At Saint Paul Drug Treatment Centers,they also provide family therapy for the loved ones of patients. During family therapy sessions, a recovering individual and their family members learn to communicate more effectively; family members also learn how they can support their loved one's recovery efforts. Relationships can be damaged by addictive behavior, but family therapy can help recovering individuals heal these wounds.

To learn more about the treatment options available at Saint Paul Drug Treatment Centers, call at (877) 804-1531.