Drug and alcohol abuse, dependence, substance use disorders (sometimes termed “SUDs”), or process addictions such as sex, spending, gambling, and gaming dependency are all forms of addiction. However, some addictions present more physical symptoms — as when individuals are dependent upon drugs or alcohol — and other addictions present more psychological symptoms as in the cases of process addictions or similar conditions.

woman looking out window wondering what is addictionHere at Insight Into Action Therapy, we treat substance use disorders as well as process addictions. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual defines a substance use disorder as “a problematic pattern of using alcohol or another substance that results in impairment in daily life or noticeable distress.” While substance use disorder isn’t the same as addiction, by knowingly and regularly abusing drugs or alcohol, individuals greatly increase their risk of developing a dependency. Once an individual’s brain chemistry is altered through repeated substance abuse and dependency is formed, they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. This addiction is a disease. Like any disease, it requires professional care to overcome and heal from, which is what Insight Into Action Therapy can provide.

We understand that substance use disorder presents along a spectrum from mild to moderate to severe. We have the expertise to determine where an individual resides on the spectrum based on the extent of symptoms present. Substance use disorder can look different at varying points of someone’s life. People can be in partial or even full remission after a period of time has passed following their last use of substances or behaviors.

What Is Substance Use Disorder Treatment?

Insight Into Action Therapy offers SUD treatment using a variety of methods. For instance, we provide:

  • Individual therapy: One-on-one talk therapy with a therapist allows a client to explore their issues surrounding substance abuse or addiction in a safe, private setting. Our therapist works with clients to develop a plan of action to identify, heal, and overcome issues.
  • Group therapy: Sometimes discussing one’s substance use disorder with others who have similar experiences, challenges, and recovery goals is an excellent way to overcome addiction. Individuals are able to share and learn while developing a supportive network of peers.
  • Family therapy: There are times when individuals need their family and loved ones to understand what they are going through in more detail. This kind of therapy not only addresses issues within and between the family but offers skills and resources to be supportive in a healthy, productive way.

Also, we can offer clients urine drug and alcohol screening to meet court-mandated requirements and medication-assisted treatment. The type and frequency of services depend on the person’s needs.

Insight Into Action Therapy develops a treatment plan during the evaluation session to determine the appropriate level of care and initial goals for therapy. Our therapists engage in the therapeutic process by exploring the underlying causes of addiction as well as reasons for continued use that become barriers to making changes.

What Types of Therapy Do We Use?

Insight Into Action Therapy utilizes a multi-faceted approach to treatment, including but not limited to these mental health therapies:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Mindfulness
  • Expressive therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy

These therapeutic options occur alongside our psychoeducation and relapse-prevention treatments.

Therapists are trained in and incorporate SMART® Recovery as well as trauma-informed 12-step work when appropriate. All therapists have extensive education and training in addiction treatment with specialty licenses to include licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners, master addiction counselors, certified substance abuse counselors, and certified sex addiction therapists.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Insight Into Action Therapy has a psychiatrist and nurse practitioner who utilize medication-assisted treatment to complement the recovery process when deemed medically appropriate. They may prescribe medications such as Naltrexone®, Campral®, or Vistaril®.

We are also able to treat opiate use disorders with Buprenorphine (Suboxone™ or Sublocade™) and alcohol use disorders with Vivitrol® (Naltrexone® for extended-release suspension).

Incorporating Family Members and Healing with Insight Into Action Therapy

Insight Into Action Therapy understands that substance use affects the entire household. It can, therefore, be fruitful to incorporate family members into treatment. Insight Into Action Therapy offers family therapy, including working with children of a parent or parents with addiction issues, and integrating marriage/couples counseling when appropriate.

You can reach out to us today at 703.935.8544 to learn more about our programs and treatment options. We’re eager to help you or a loved one heal and overcome addiction.