ARK Behavioral Health

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Alcoholism

A person who has alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) builds up a physical tolerance to alcohol. If they try to stop drinking, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is available for this condition, through alcohol rehab in Massachusetts. Treatment options include AA, detox, counseling, medication, residential programs, and outpatient treatment. Social and family support systems are crucial during and after treatment of any kind.

Substance Abuse

In Massachusetts, substance abuse treatment programs can help to address addiction and, if relevant, any co-occurring mental health conditions. Programs include outpatient, inpatient, dual-diagnosis, and partial hospitalization. You'll receive therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness-based therapy. By attending skills training and recovery groups you'll build a strong foundation for your recovery and strengthen your support network, increasing your chances of long-term recovery success.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

If you are experiencing intense, negative emotions, dialectical behavior therapy can help you learn how to regulate painful emotions and manage the interpersonal situations that generate them. This method is often used during substance use treatment in Massachusetts to help you develop better coping skills and avoid relapse.

Family Therapy

During family therapy, the therapist works with every member of the family unit to understand the role they play in their loved one's addiction. By addressing these patterns, family members learn healthier ways to interact with each other and contribute to a more effective recovery journey for the family member who is addicted.

Motivational Interviewing

Four principles are key to motivational interviewing in Massachusetts. First, the therapist offers empathy for the client's feelings and experiences. Second, they encourage the client to believe in themselves and their ability to change. Third, the therapist refrains from imposing their own viewpoints. Lastly, the therapist helps the client identify discrepancies in their circumstances and future goals.