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Substance Use Disorders
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Belmont Psych offers options for the treatment of substance use disorders depending on the desires and goals of the patient. We do support our patients in abstinence programs but we are also trained to support individuals as they seek moderation as a goal. Modern treatment for substance use disorders include far more than just the traditional 12 step model. As Cognitive Behavior Therapists, we offer an approach that helps individuals identify obstacles to change, assists with planning and preparing for cravings, and identifies reasonable goals that involve far more than the traditional abstinence models.
Abstinence is Not the Only Way
When patients who are not ready to stop using are pushed into abstinence programs, they are very likely to end up dropping out of treatment. The result might be that an already vulnerable person perceives the experience as yet another "failure" in life. This might end up doing the opposite of what was intended; the individual might sink deeper into their substance use and avoid mental health intervention altogether.
Modern treatment for substance use disorders involves far more than just sending patients to an AA meeting. As Cognitive Behavior Therapists, we offer an approach that helps individuals identify obstacles to change, assists with preparing for cravings, emphasizes harm reduction, and encourages patients to establish reasonable goals.
It is not uncommon for therapists to refuse to treat patients who are not "sober" and to turn away patients who are actively using drugs. The typical rationale is that people who are "using drugs" cannot benefit from therapy. But it may surprise you to hear that there is actually no research to support this position! In fact, what the research does show is that there are a large number of individuals in our community who use drugs or alcohol on a regular basis...without anyone around them ever even knowing! And even more surprising to many is that these same individuals are capable of being helpful neighbors, successful business owners and competent parents.
The therapists at Belmont Psych believe that patients can work towards improving their overall health and their relationships--even if they are not yet ready to abstain from substances. In fact, an individual who is not ready for abstinence may be very much ready, willing and able to achieve meaningful change and improve the quality of their lives.
For those who are ready to completely abstain from drugs or alcohol, our therapists work closely with local physicians and community programs to coordinate the patients' treatment to help them achieve this goal. But please know that even for those who are not ready to quit, there is still hope for change! Either way, our therapists are here to help you improve your life, your health and your relationships.
Therapy Is More Than A Conversation
Some critics of psychotherapy have likened the role of the therapist to a friend who is paid to sit and chit chat with clients about their lives or just listen while people complain. And while some therapists do perhaps provide little more than emotional support, the role of the Cognitive Behavior Therapist is different. CBT involves providing a great deal of education, helping clients to remember and use that education, teaching concrete skills, and tracking progress to confirm that patients are benefitting. It is our hope that by reviewing the information provided on this website, that anyone who is interested in our services, or in any therapist's services for that matter, is able to appreciate the difference it makes to work with well-trained Cognitive Behavior Therapists.
Please call us at 562-799-6700 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an appointment today.
