Addiction Treatment & Detox Chesterfield & Mansfield S44

There are a variety of ways of thinking about addiction. It’s a complex problem, and psychologists can use one of many different models to understand addiction and therefore to treat it. If you or your loved one is battling with addiction, learning about the different models helps you understand the many ways addicts find recovery. At Therapist Ltd in Chesterfield and Mansfield, our counsellors employ a ‘what works method’. We are well skilled and versed in the different theories of change. Different schools of psychotherapy employ specific models in the treatment of addiction, in the issue of addiction recovery, one size certainly does not fit all! It is therefore important to match the model to the client rather than try and force fit a modality.

The Disease Model of Addiction Recovery – Chesterfield & Mansfield S44

The disease model of addiction is one of the most well-known, through its association with Alcoholics Anonymous’ (the AA’s) 12 Step programme. The theory states that addiction is a disease, like diabetes, which is brought on by physiological differences or some form of biological predisposition. This means that individuals who suffer from the disease are incapable of moderating their alcohol or drug intake (or other addictive behaviour) and therefore can only ever manage their condition through abstinence.

Within the AA, this has been somewhat blended with other models such as the biological model, which brings genetic influence into play whilst still conforming to the same general approach. Counselling using the disease model is focused on helping the individual come to terms with their disease and abstain from alcohol or drugs, with the AA encouraging clients to give themselves up to a higher power to achieve this. There are many local 12 steps meetings to Chesterfield and Mansfield S44 which are ‘self supporting’ i,.e free to enter, but minimal donations are expected to support the running costs of the group.

12 step models advoate pesonal responsibility, which in essence can be helpful to removing excuses to use or act out. However, it is also helpful have one to one counselling alongside 12 step recovery in order to tackle the underlying issues. Once we stop drinking, using or acting out, we expose the reasons we became addicted in the first place. Our counselling team in Chesterfield and Mansfield offer one to one counselling sessions from our offices in Glapwell S44 to help ensure that this relapse is the last relapse!

The Learning Theory Model – Addiction Recovery Glapwell S44

The learning theory model, used in cognitive behavioural therapy, generally looks at the behaviour and thoughts of the individual rather than attributing addiction to their physiology. This model states that addiction is a learned behaviour, resulting from the individual’s interaction with their immediate environment and their internal thought processes. Poor coping mechanisms for things such as stress can contribute to addiction, as can negative thought patterns which create a reliance on drugs for things such as social acceptance. Our counsellors in Glapwell S44 will help the individual break down these harmful thought processes and institute positive changes in behaviour. While there are many ways to understand addiction recovery, many models do overlap. Learning to understand the different models supports more depth and understanding and can lead to a less dogmatic approach to recovery.

Addcition Treatment Options Chesterfield & Mansfield

There are several other models that our therapists can use in the treatment of addiction. One example is the psychoanalytic approach created by Sigmund Freud. This generally focuses on the root causes of addiction, and often involves the individual delving into his or her past. By identifying and addressing the subconscious processes which drive addiction, this form of psychotherapy helps people remove the need for drugs altogether. The psychodynamic approach has been developed as an off-shoot to make the process more targeted and less time-consuming.

Another widely used model is the biopsychosocial approach, which is something of a combination of biological, socio-economic and psychological models of addiction. The complete theoretical framework of this model includes eleven different strands of thought, which allows the valid points raised by the physiological models of addiction to be combined with the additional psychological factors which obviously play a part. The Bio-psycho-social model is often employed by community rehab / NHS rehab approaches. The BERSC model is less well known but offers more depth in recovery with the exploration of: Biological – Emotional – Relational – Social – Cultural influences to the development and maintenance of substance adbuse or ‘addiction’ if you prefer to use that label of understanding.

If you or somebody you know is abusing substances, finding professional help can be the key to unlocking the pathway to recovery. Some substances pose serious physical risk to the individual, and addiction can easily spiral out of control if not addressed. Professional help can be pivotal to safe recovery. Undertsanding when we need professional support with detox could actually be lifesaving.Psychotherapy is almost always required in cases of addiction, but you might also require medication to help during withdrawal. Come to see us in person at our offices in Glapwell S44 (Chesterfield and Mansfield) or get in touch with us over the phone today and see how we can help you!