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Benefits of Behavioral Counseling

a woman discusses behavioral counseling with a doctor at an addiction therapy program

If you’re battling substance use issues, various treatments may be part of your recovery. For alcohol addiction and opioid addiction, medication is a common element in a treatment plan. However, a more widely used recovery resource is behavioral counseling or therapy. Why do so many people receive this form of treatment? It provides certain benefits that are not available through medication alone. Many plans feature a treatment option called cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. Your program may also provide other behavioral options. To learn more about the treatment options available at addiction treatment programs, contact Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281.

What Is Behavioral Counseling?

Behavioral counseling is the general term for a modern school of psychotherapy. This term covers a range of different therapy techniques, and each technique relies on its own specific methods. But all behavioral therapies are based on two principles: all people learn how to behave in certain ways, and behaviors are not fixed but can be changed when needed.

During behavioral therapy, you and your therapist identify harmful behaviors affecting you. You then take steps to make positive changes in those behaviors. Therapists typically take a practical approach. For this reason, they focus on short-term actions that can foster real change.

Behavioral Addiction Therapy and Its Benefits

When you enter active drug or alcohol rehab, you’re in a sober state. Now, you must find ways to remain sober. This is far from an easy task. Any number of influences can pull you back toward substance use. To stop this from happening, you need help.

For people in alcohol and opioid recovery, some of this help is provided by medication. However, in other forms of recovery, reliable medication options do not yet exist. In addition, even if you receive medication, you typically need additional treatment to keep your sobriety going.

Behavioral therapy is the go-to option for providing this treatment. That’s true, in part, because it can provide multiple benefits during your time in rehab, such as:

  • An easier time engaging in the treatment process
  • Motivation during the ups and downs of treatment
  • Reduction of thoughts and behaviors that support substance use
  • Development of thoughts and behaviors that support abstinence

Behavioral counseling can also help you stay sober when treatment ends. It does this by teaching you practical coping skills. You can use these skills to limit the odds of relapse in real-world situations.

Other Potential Benefits of Behavior-Based Addiction Therapy

Behavior-based addiction counseling can also help you in other ways. For example, it may improve your ability to express yourself and communicate. In turn, these skills may make it easier for you to reconnect with friends and loved ones. Improved anger management is another potential benefit.

Your newfound coping skills may help boost your level of self-esteem. In addition, you may find yourself developing a much more positive outlook on life in general. All of these things can contribute to a reduced motivation to drink or take drugs. In turn, they can also help you sustain your sobriety over time.

Seek Effective Behavioral Counseling Services at Northpoint Colorado

At Northpoint Colorado, we understand the central role of behavioral therapy in addiction treatment. In line with this understanding, we rely on behavioral techniques as core elements of our many programs. With our help, you can take the steps needed to overcome substance addiction. You can also address any other overlapping mental health issues affecting you.

Northpoint Colorado offers a range of options for rehab treatment. As needed, choose from inpatient care, intensive outpatient care, or partial hospitalization. No matter the setting, you’ll receive the same high standard of support for your sobriety. Call us today at 888.231.1281 to learn more. behavioral counseling