Astor Gillis LADC

Anger is a powerful emotion and one that is often closely tied to addiction. Many people with behavioral or substance addictions will experience anger in many forms, both internally and externally. Anger management combined with other evidence based treatment can help patients control their emotions and evaluate situations without resorting to anger.

Brief intervention aims to inform people who are abusing drugs and alcohol at a high level of the risk of dependence and addiction. The interventions are usually targeted at those who are yet to develop a substance use disorder but who are displaying the signs of potentially becoming addicted.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used type of therapy widely used in addiction treatment, rehab and recovery as a way of identifying emotional triggers that lead to substance abuse and developing methods to control them.

Contingency management is a highly effective treatment for substance use and related disorders. These interventions have been widely tested and evaluated in the context of substance misuse treatment, and they most often involve provision of monetary-based reinforcers for submission of drug-negative urine specimens.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is often recommended as an evidence-based approach to behavior change and is often used in addiction treatment. MI is a more collaborative approach to therapy and requires patient and counselor to explore issues without advice, judgment, or a set path laid out.

The Relapse Prevention (RP) model is widely used in alcohol and drug rehab treatments. It uses CBT practises to prepare those approaching the end of rehab treatment to begin a life of sobriety without falling into old habits of substance abuse.

Substance use disorder counseling can incorporate a wide variety of therapies and and treatment models.

Telehealth has grown in popularity and availability across all forms of treatment in the wake of COVID-19. For those who are unable to leave their homes (such as immunocompromised individuals) telehealth services can provide addiction treatment virtually and provide a support network for people unable to receive normal treatment.

Individual counseling involves patients speaking with a counselor or therapist about their addiction in a one-to-one setting. This type of counseling will often incorporate different forms of behavioral therapies such as CBT in order to help the patient understand their psychological relationship with substance abuse and develop techniques to manage cravings and future temptation.

Group counseling can takes place in both inpatient and outpatient settings and involves those afflicted with substances use disorders/behavioral addictions meeting to discuss their issues. This form of counseling can help create a level of empathy and understanding of others journeys with addiction, which can help to give perspective on an individual's addiction. It also helps to build a support network which helps reduce relapse and promotes positive relationships outside of substance abuse.

Outpatient treatment centers offer the same level of care as inpatient settings while also allowing the patient to be able to return home each day