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The Recovery.com Contributor Network

At Recovery.com, our mission is to provide valuable resources and support to individuals navigating the path to recovery. A vital part of this mission is our Contributor Network – a community of dedicated professionals who share their expertise to empower others.

What is the Recovery.com Contributor Network?

The Contributor Network is a group of clinicians, experts, and individuals with lived experience in the recovery field who are passionate about making a difference. It’s a platform designed to connect these experts with our audience, share valuable insights, and expand the reach of helpful resources.

How Can You Contribute?

We offer three ways for you to share your expertise:

  • Quote Contributor (for articles we write): Provide quotes for articles written by our team. We will connect with you regarding articles related to your expertise. Your contribution will include your photo, name, and a link back to your website.
  • External Publication Quotes: Contribute expert quotes for major publications. We will connect you with reporters seeking expert commentary. Quotes will be attributed to you with a link back to your Recovery.com profile.
  • Video Podcast Guest: Share your knowledge and insights as a guest on one of Recovery.com’s podcasts. Your appearance will include your photo, name, and a link back to your website.

Benefits of Joining:

All three contribution methods offer valuable benefits, including:

  • Free Promotion: Gain exposure on Recovery.com and potentially in major publications.
  • Enhanced SEO: We provide backlinks to your website, boosting your search engine optimization.
  • Thought Leadership Positioning: Establish yourself as a trusted voice and thought leader in the recovery community.

How to Join:

Ready to share your expertise? Joining is easy!

  1. Complete the Contributor Network Form: Fill out our form and provide information about your background, expertise, and credentials, including a headshot, bio, and areas of specialization.
  2. Review Process: After submitting the form, our Managing Editor will review your application. You will receive an email notifying you of your acceptance or outlining next steps.

We invite you to join our growing community of experts and help us empower individuals on their recovery journey. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Experiential Therapy

In our fast-paced world, mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Experiential Therapy can offer a unique and effective approach to addressing these challenges by focusing individual’s experiences in the present moment. 

Let’s explore the ins and outs of Experiential Therapy, shedding light on its various types, benefits, limitations, and the process of finding a suitable therapist. 

The Basics of Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapies are based on the idea that people can learn and grow by having new experiences. They focus on helping people develop new ways of thinking and behaving and to become more aware of their emotions and how they affect their behavior. 

In the realm of psychotherapy, experiential therapy emerges as a distinct approach that places the client’s immediate experiences at the forefront of the therapeutic process. This immersive modality deviates from traditional talk therapy by venturing beyond verbal communication and exploring the client’s world. It aims to bring the client into the present moment and help them observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Clients learn to do this through various means, such as role-playing, art therapy, music therapy, or psychodrama.

More specifically, this form of therapy emphasizes the importance of human experience and the therapeutic value of engaging activities.  Experiential therapy is categorized into the experiential–subjective quadrant to highlight its focus on subjective experiences. Furthermore, it can also reduce depression severity and suicidal ideation, indicating its potential to address a multitude of mental health concerns. 

Types of Experiential Therapy

You can attend many types of experiential therapies, including: 

  • Gestalt Therapy: focuses on helping people to become aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to express themselves more authentically. 
  • Reality Therapy: This therapy focuses on helping people take responsibility for their behavior and positively change their lives. 
  • Transactional Analysis: focuses on helping people understand the different roles that they play in relationships and develop more effective communication skills.
  • Art Therapy: uses art materials and techniques to help clients express themselves and explore their emotions. Art therapy can be helpful for people who have difficulty talking about their feelings or who find it easier to express themselves through art.
  • Music Therapy: uses music and sound to help clients relax, express themselves, and connect with others. Music therapy can be helpful for people who enjoy music or who find it easier to express themselves through music.
  • Psychodrama or Drama Therapy: uses drama and role-playing to help clients explore their emotions and relationships. Drama therapy can be helpful for people who enjoy acting or who find it easier to express themselves through drama.
  • Movement Therapy: uses movement and dance to help clients express themselves and explore their emotions. Movement therapy can be helpful for people who enjoy dancing or who find it easier to express themselves through movement.
  • Adventure Therapy: uses outdoor activities and challenges to help clients build confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork skills. Adventure therapy can be helpful for people who enjoy outdoor activities or who find it easier to learn and grow in an outdoor setting.

These are just a few of the many types of experiential therapy available. Each type of therapy has its own unique benefits, and the best type of therapy for a particular individual will depend on their needs and preferences.

5 Benefits of Experiential Therapy

1. Deeper Understanding of Self

One significant advantage of experiential therapy is its ability to facilitate a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions. Through various experiential techniques, clients gain insights into their inner world, recognizing patterns, triggers, and underlying issues that may be contributing to their difficulties. This self-awareness empowers individuals to make informed choices and take control of their lives.

2. Development of Healthier Coping Mechanisms

Another key benefit of experiential therapy is the development of healthier coping mechanisms. By engaging in experiential activities, clients learn practical strategies for managing stress, regulating emotions, and resolving conflicts. These skills prove invaluable in navigating life’s challenges and promoting overall well-being.

3. Improvement of Relationships

Experiential therapy also plays a vital role in improving relationships with others. By fostering empathy, communication, and collaboration, experiential activities enhance interpersonal skills and strengthen bonds between individuals. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships, both personally and professionally.

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Additionally, the application of the symbolic‐experiential model of psychotherapy to neuroscience has been explored, indicating the relevance of experiential therapy in the context of interpersonal communication and psychological interventions.  

4. Helps with Overcoming Trauma and Difficult Experiences

Furthermore, experiential therapy has proven effective in overcoming trauma and other difficult experiences. By providing a safe and supportive environment, experiential therapy allows clients to process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their impact on daily life. Through this process, individuals can gain closure, heal from past wounds, and move towards a more positive and fulfilling future.

5. Helps Enhance Other Therapies  to Treat Diagnoses

Social Anxiety Disorder

Experiential techniques have been found to complement compassion-focused therapy (CFT). CFT, an integrated and multimodal approach, draws from evolutionary, social, developmental, and Buddhist psychology, and neuroscience. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has been recognized as an effective way to address  shame and self-criticism, which are commonly experienced with conditions like social anxiety disorder. Combining this approach with experiential practices helps address social anxiety and similar conditions by challenging patients to process emotions even when doing so might be difficult or something they try to avoid entirely. 

Personality Disorders

Experiential therapy can address personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder, highlighting its ability to support approaches like emotion‐focused therapy and compassion‐focused therapy. These therapeutic modalities emphasize the importance of addressing maladaptive interpersonal patterns and complex clinical challenges in patients with personality disorders, including emotional dysregulation, powerlessness, and negative self-evaluation.

Psychedelic Therapy

Experiential therapy has also been recognized for its potential to enhance psychedelic therapy and promote lasting change. Combining psychedelic therapy with experiential therapies has been found to enhance client self-understanding, further emphasizing the significance of the therapeutic relationship. in promoting therapeutic evolution. 

Family Therapy

In the context of family therapy, Experiential techniques in family therapy actively include children in sessions, emphasizing the practical benefits? of experiential approaches in family therapy settings. Additionally, using experiential education to inform treatments like adventure therapy and outdoor education underscores the broad applicability of experiential learning in diverse settings.  

Finding an Experiential Therapist

There are a few things to consider when looking for an experiential therapist, such as your specific needs and goals, the different types of experiential therapy available, and the therapist’s training and experience. 

Some Questions to Ask When Finding A Therapist

  • What is your experience with experiential therapy? 
  • What are your theoretical orientations and how do they inform your practice?  
  • What are your treatment goals for me? 
  • How will we measure progress? 
  • How often will we meet? 
  • What are your fees? 
  • Do you accept insurance?
  • What kinds of experiential therapies do you offer?
  • How will we explore which forms of experiential therapy are good for me?

The Therapists

Experiential therapists are trained to serve as compassionate guides, fostering a secure environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, sensations, and interactions in the present moment. This therapeutic journey is rooted in the belief that your lived experiences hold the key to understanding struggles and unlocking your potential for growth and healing.

Moreover, experiential training and personal therapy are often essential strategies to enhance a therapist’s self-awareness and skills, emphasizing the professional significance of experiential approaches in therapy.  Experiential Therapy has been found to bridge the gap between academia and clinical practice, fostering skills necessary for best practice in other therapeutic modalities and forms. This gives providers the ability to reflect and grow from their clinical experiences in creative and more dynamic ways, and in so doing, give their clients alternative ways of processing their conditions.

Limitations of Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a powerful form of psychotherapy that can help people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships with others. However, it is not appropriate for everyone and has limitations to consider.

For example, experiential therapy can be expensive. Many insurance companies do not cover experiential therapy, and the cost of therapy can vary depending on the type of therapy, the therapist’s experience, and the location of the therapy. This may make access to experiential therapy difficult for some. Check with your insurance provider to see what coverage options you have. If you do not have coverage but found a program that fits your needs, talk with the providing group to see what options may accommodate your financial needs. 

Another limitation of experiential therapy is finding a qualified therapist. Experiential therapy is a specialized field, and not all therapists are trained in this type of therapy. 

Experiential therapy can also be emotionally challenging. This type of therapy can involve exploring painful emotions and experiences, which can be difficult to process. It is important to be prepared for the emotional challenges of experiential therapy before you begin this type of therapy.

Despite these limitations, experiential therapy can be a powerful tool for helping people heal and grow. If you are considering experiential therapy, remember to weigh the benefits and risks before you make a decision.

A Unique Approach to Healing

Experiential therapy’s introspective exploration can help you uncover hidden strengths, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and cultivate a profound sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. 

Experiential therapy extends its reach beyond addressing mental health concerns, proving to be a potent catalyst for personal growth and development. It can empower people to enhance their communication skills, build stronger relationships, and navigate life’s transitions with greater resilience and adaptability.

By embracing the present moment and exploring their subjective experiences, patients embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being. This immersive approach not only heals wounds but also nurtures the seeds of personal growth, allowing you to blossom into your fullest potential.

Explore treatment centers and programs that provide experiential therapy to find the right fit for you.

References:

Bailey, M. (2022). Science catching up: experiential family therapy and neuroscience. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 48(4), 1095-1110. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12582

Bennett-Levy, J., Lee, N., Travers, K., Pohlman, S., & Hamernik, E. (2003). Cognitive therapy from the inside: enhancing therapist skills through practising what we preach. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 31(2), 143-158. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1352465803002029

Centonze, A., Popolo, R., MacBeth, A., & Dimaggio, G. (2023). Experiential techniques and therapeutic relationship in the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder: the case of laura. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(7), 1656-1669. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23514

Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(3), 199-208. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.107.005264

Knecht-Sabres, L. (2010). The use of experiential learning in an occupational therapy program: can it foster skills for clinical practice?. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 24(4), 320-334. https://doi.org/10.3109/07380577.2010.514382

Matos, M. and Dimaggio, G. (2023). The interplay between therapeutic relationship and therapeutic technique: “it takes two to tango”. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(7), 1609-1614. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23500

Newman, T., Alvarez, M., & Kim, M. (2017). An experiential approach to sport for youth development. Journal of Experiential Education, 40(3), 308-322. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825917696833

Pereira, J. (2014). Can we play too? experiential techniques for family therapists to actively include children in sessions. The Family Journal, 22(4), 390-396. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480714533639

Vos, M., Broek, E., Bernstein, D., Vallentin, R., & Arntz, A. (2017). Evoking emotional states in personality disordered offenders: an experimental pilot study of experiential drama therapy techniques. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 53, 80-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2017.01.003

Wolff, M., Evens, R., Mertens, L., Koslowski, M., Betzler, F., Gründer, G., … & Jungaberle, H. (2020). Learning to let go: a cognitive-behavioral model of how psychedelic therapy promotes acceptance. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00005

Xu, H. and Tracey, T. (2016). Cultural congruence with psychotherapy efficacy: a network meta-analytic examination in china.. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(3), 359-365. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000145

Zeifman, R., Wagner, A., Watts, R., Kettner, H., Mertens, L., & Carhart‐Harris, R. (2020). Post-psychedelic reductions in experiential avoidance are associated with decreases in depression severity and suicidal ideation. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00782

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Mind Control and Complex Trauma

Children, young adults, and adults can suffer mind control and complex trauma. Mind control can also be a broad phenomenon experienced by people groups, organizations, and countries. Other times, it can be used as a directed form of psychological abuse. 

Complex trauma is the cumulation of “multiple interpersonal threats”1 or abuse during childhood. It may come as the result of mind control or other abuses. Dr. Karol Darsa—psychologist, author, and creator of RITTM (Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model)—offers insight into healing.

Understanding Mind Control

Mind control compromises a person or group2’s freedom of choice by altering their perception, motivations, and behavior. Some mind control techniques aren’t done maliciously; for example, most advertising involves pushing emotions for a desired outcome (buying their product). 

Malicious mind control aims to control another person (or group) through fear, deprivation, and confusion. For example, research found people in controlled environments with sensory stimulation removed (like visuals, smells, sounds, and other sensations) moved into a malleable emotional state. The process worked by only allowing select information to the sensory-deprived person. In that state, new ideas or beliefs could be implanted and believed3. 

As an example, the only stimulation provided to someone could be a repeated fact of any sort. With nothing else to occupy or influence their thoughts, it can be easier to believe and act upon whatever information is provided. 

Similar emotional states could be achieved through abuse and trauma, where stress and abuse return the brain to its primal, animalistic survival functions. In its worn-down state, the victim’s brain could accept and believe almost anything about themselves or the world around them. 

Mind control as a form of abuse could lead to complex trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD), especially if it occurs in childhood. 

An adult with c-PTSD caused by mind control may struggle to trust others, themselves, and their reality. Sometimes, they may not even know why they don’t trust; just that they don’t. 

Complex Trauma and Its Prolonged Impact

C-PTSD usually occurs due to childhood trauma. Complex trauma can have more severe consequences2 than non-complex trauma. It can also cause the onset of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorder, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). 

C-PTSD can have more long-lasting effects2 because it occurs after repeated, inescapable traumatic events. It’s more common to experience in childhood, but it can happen at any time of your life. PTSD, in comparison, occurs as a single instance (like a rape, tornado, or car accident). Staying in activated stress states and experiencing them often, especially in childhood, can cause the more severe psychopathy and cognitive deficits associated with c-PTSD. 

That means that children with c-PTSD are more likely to grow into adults with major depressive disorder, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and addiction. Children with c-PTSD were also found to have lower IQ scores2 and poorer executive function as adults. 

Psychopathy4, lower IQ scores, and poor executive functioning can have prolonged effects in adulthood. When caused by c-PTSD, these effects occur independent of other variables like genetic disposition, motivation, and effort.

Recognizing Signs of Mind Control and Complex Trauma

You or someone else could be experiencing mind control if you recognize these tactics:

  • A person or group uses terror, threats, and manipulation to mold the brain into its more primal survival mode. Escape feels impossible, either physically, mentally, or socially.
  • You or someone else believes the perpetrator and whatever truths they tell about you, someone else, or the world.
  • You comply with their wishes and demands to survive. You’ll believe or do anything they ask out of forced trust and the need to survive. In a state of survival, your brain struggles to process information logically, which is why you may continually trust and believe the perpetrator. Doing what they say often feels like the only way to stay safe.  

Complex trauma has several distinct signs5, too. 

  • Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks
  • Dissociation
  • Interpersonal challenges with relationships
  • Self-destructive behaviors (like substance use)
  • Irritability and hyperarousal, or emotional numbness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Hostility 

You may notice these signs in yourself or someone else as a child, young adult, or adult who’s experiencing c-PTSD.

Karol Darsa’s Treatment for Trauma and c-PTSD

Trauma psychologist Karol Darsa created the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM)6 to treat trauma. RITTM is comprehensive and body-based, which means it’s designed to heal and reconnect the mind and body. 

RITTM integrates eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, brainspotting, somatic experiencing, gestalt therapy, energy psychology, and mindfulness. The result is a whole-person approach to treatment that can help adults with c-PTSD heal their trauma and the conditions associated with it. 

RITTM occurs in individual settings and stresses a positive therapeutic alliance. Rather than following strict protocols and regimes, RITTM can flex to individual needs and types of trauma. It’s been found to help with single-event and complex trauma. 

Dr. Darsa’s 20 years of experience led her to write a guide on trauma healing, found a treatment center, and educate other professionals on trauma healing. She’s been featured as an expert on ABC, CBS, and more. She also lectures on trauma at universities like UCLA, Cal Lutheran, and the University of Southern California. 

Other Therapies for Trauma and c-PTSD

Other forms of trauma treatment may fit your needs. Some aspects of RITTM may suit you better if they’re pulled out and focused.

EMDR can help reduce your reaction to traumatic memories7 by using eye tracking as you recall your trauma. Doing both at the same time can desensitize you to the effects of the memories and help you process your trauma. 

Prolonged exposure therapy (PET)8 exposes you to an imagined scenario of your trauma or to real-life stimuli associated with it. Doing so can help reduce reactions to the experience and help you process and heal. PET may be too triggering for some; your treatment team can help you decide if this may work for you.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)9 uses CBT to specifically focus on trauma. It can be especially helpful for children and their families. TF-CBT aims to reduce shame, guilt, and thought distortions related to trauma by identifying inaccurate beliefs and developing adaptive responses to trauma. Practitioners gradually expose patients to reminders and places to reduce their distress and reactions to trauma. 

Many other trauma therapies can help you recover from complex trauma and mind control. Your doctor, therapist, or psychologist can help you find the best fit for your needs. 

Finding Help for You or a Loved One

Attending a rehab for trauma, setting up therapy sessions, and actively pursuing healing can help you or a loved one heal from complex trauma and mind control.
Rehab provides a residential setting to focus on treatment and healing. There, you can experience EMDR therapy, Karol Darsa’s RITTM therapy, and other trauma therapies uniquely designed for healing.

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What Is Post-Traumatic Growth?

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive and ongoing inner change after trauma or a highly distressing situation. PTG can occur simultaneously with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One does not negate or invalidate the other.

PTG can positively change your outlook on life and place you on a more bright, resilient path. This offers hope to those who may feel discouraged by what they’ve gone through and how it affects their place in the world. 

Stages of Post-Traumatic Growth

You likely won’t feel positive changes immediately after a traumatic event. Most who do recognize PTG notice it after they’ve put space between their trauma1 and had some time to heal, which is part of the 5 stages of PTG. 

  1. Crisis or Trauma

A singular traumatic event or recurrent trauma prime you for post-traumatic growth. Though the experience will likely cause distress, it’s a necessary aspect of PTG. 

A variety of traumas can eventually connect to PTG. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as2

  • Physical or emotional harm
  • Any threat to your life

Traumatic situations will impact your mental, physical, and emotional health. A non-exclusive list of trauma examples include

  1. Growth Awareness

Reflecting on how you’ve changed since your trauma can prompt post-traumatic growth. You may not gravitate towards reflection naturally, especially if your memories still cause pain. A therapist, spouse, or friend may notice it first. 

You may sit on this awareness for days, weeks, or months. Even if you don’t act on the awareness right away, realizing you’ve grown from something terrible can offer encouragement and hope.

  1. Growth Exploration

Next, you can see where you’ve grown. You may identify your growth by yourself, with a therapist, or a loved one. You can take a deeper look at the areas you’ve grown in and find encouragement from the positive changes.

For example, you may notice you’ve become more sure of yourself and your identity1. Or, you may notice you have a greater appreciation for your life and your loved ones. You may also be more aware of what you want out of life. 

  1. Developing New Beliefs

Your trauma may have left you with negative beliefs about yourself and the world. As you heal, your beliefs may change—maybe without you noticing. When you become aware of your growth and explore it, you can also see what beliefs align with your new growth. 

For example, you may believe you’re more equipped to handle hardships because you’ve survived one and grown. This can reinforce your self-efficacy. 

  1. Integration of Growth

Once you’ve become aware of your growth, explored it, and developed new beliefs based upon it, you can then integrate your growth into your daily life. Your growth may make you more confident, more empathetic, and more resilient. Those qualities may direct you to a new line of work, a volunteering opportunity, or creative outlet.

You may feel drawn to supporting others. With your strengths and insights, you could help others in similar situations and inspire hope. While that’s in no way a requirement, some trauma survivors feel highly fulfilled doing so.  

Signs of Post-Traumatic Growth

You can look for the signs of PTG3 in yourself and those you love.

Valuing Life More Than Before

Getting through a crisis or traumatic experience can make you value the life you have, especially if your trauma was life-threatening. Or, you may simply feel grateful for positive experiences after enduring such negativity. 

For example, if you survived a car crash, you may feel more thankful for your life and what you can make of it. 

Easier to Relate to Others

Trauma survivors sometimes develop a “sixth-sense”, where they become more attuned to the emotions and behaviors of others. Their experiences can help them relate to others4 and develop a strong sense of empathy. 

A Change in Priorities

A change in priorities is a strong sign of post-traumatic growth4. For example, you may unwaveringly prioritize family time after a traumatic event. 

In another example, a traumatic experience may awaken you to your true passions. Perhaps you suddenly realize your corporate job can’t compare to the fulfillment of painting. As you experience PTG, you may pursue a painting career to prioritize fulfillment. 

Increased Self-Confidence

Post-traumatic growth typically involves an increase in your personal strength1 and self-confidence. Those with PTG are more confident in their abilities to overcome challenges and make difficult decisions. 

Approaches Promoting Post Traumatic Growth

Several approaches to healing promote PTG. While interpersonal factors and characteristics of the trauma influence PTG5 too, the ways you heal play a large role in PTG. The following approaches are just a few that can promote PTG.

EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helps trauma survivors safely process trauma. Processing the trauma can lead to quicker healing and a shorter path to post-traumatic growth.    

In an EMDR session, your therapist will have you track an object back and forth as you quietly or verbally recall traumatic memories. Eye movement helps you focus on something other than the strong emotions associated with the memories and process the trauma faster.

Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT)

CBCT is “a trauma-focused conjoint therapy1 that has a session specifically devoted to PTG.” Therapists use it to treat PTSD and trauma, though it can also improve depressive and anxious symptoms.

CBCT, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), addresses thoughts and behaviors with a focus on trauma symptoms6 (numbing, avoidance). 

CBCT can help you cope with the cognitive and emotional effects of trauma and promote the growth associated with PTG.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

PE works by exposing you to memories or other stimuli7 that “cognitively restructures beliefs about [your] sense of safety”, especially if and when you encounter the trauma again outside a therapeutic environment. 

You may imagine the stimulus or confront it in the real world, sometimes as a “homework assignment” after therapy. Therapists tailor the type and amount of exposure to avoid distress and facilitate healing.

As you become desensitized to the stimuli and more confident in your safety, your PTG can blossom. 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT addresses trauma and helps patients reconstruct beliefs7 about themselves, others, and the world. It encourages reflection on positive changes since starting treatment.

Doing so, you can change your internal narrative and stimulate PTG.

Challenges And Obstacles in Achieving Post-Traumatic Growth

Negative emotions after trauma (shame, guilt, depression) can hinder PTG3. These emotions can prevent someone from seeking treatment, as they may feel addressing their trauma is too painful. 

Fear, avoidance, and hypersensitivity–all symptoms of PTSD–can make treatment seem daunting as well. Negative feedback from friends and family can also hinder treatment and PTG.

Participants in one study said PTG began once they had an internal need for change3. Until that need is realized, PTG may not begin and may never take effect. 

Feeling forced or expected to have positive growth after a terrible event can add undue pressure8 and hinder PTG. 

Overcoming Obstacles to PTG

Support from friends and family and professional help from a mental health professional can help you overcome obstacles to PTG3. They can help you see a need for change by looking through their eyes and seeing your situation from another perspective. 

You can also reflect on your present life and how you would like to grow. This can encourage ambition and a strong desire for change that ends with PTG.

PTG can also be presented as a positive, but optional, aspect of trauma healing—not something that must happen. Rather than expecting PTG, providers and patients can instead be aware of it and accept it if it comes. 

Post-Traumatic Growth Examples

PTG will look different for each person, but a few examples include

  • Changing jobs to pursue a dream or passion. 
  • Taking time off work to travel and pursue new experiences. 
  • Committing to charity work.
  • Helping others who’ve experienced trauma similar to yours, perhaps by becoming a speaker or through contributions to studies and articles. 
  • Fostering stronger relationships with family and loved ones. Parents may feel an especially strong desire to grow closer to their children.
  • Deepening your faith in God or becoming more spiritual, even if you’re not part of an organized religion.
  • Leaning into your creative side and feeling deep fulfillment. You may enjoy forms of art, writing music, or crafting stories.

Find Help For Trauma

Trauma changes those who experience it. Sometimes, the changes can be positive. Even so, trauma can be a heavy weight to hold. Professional treatment can help you manage its effects and facilitate post-traumatic growth. 
Rehabs for trauma provide intensive care and support for your recovery. Browse our list of trauma rehabs to learn about their approaches to trauma treatment, see photos, and verify your insurance.

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Stress And Addiction: How Are They Related?

Stress and addiction can feed into and cause each other. “Stress” could be anything that taxes or exceeds your ability to healthily adapt1. For example, stress could prompt you to drink to cope with negative emotions. Similarly, having a heavy drinking habit could cause stress when it affects your life and well-being.

The bi-directional, sometimes cyclical relationship between stress and addiction can seem tricky to separate and treat. But with therapy and the right approach to treatment, you can heal from each and find an improved quality of life.

What Is The Relationship Between Stress And Addiction?

The relationship between stress and addiction is complex and multifaceted. Numerous studies have investigated their relationship and have provided insights into how stress can increase the risk of addiction.

Crucially, stress can cause someone to take and crave substances2. Chronic stress can further increase the risk of drug use and addiction. Stress can induce changes in neural pathways and cravings, which can contribute to substance-related disorders. The stress response system, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, plays a critical role3 in the development and maintenance of addiction.

Stress can also impact your ability to control impulses or other inappropriate behaviors, along with craving instant gratification.

Ultimately, the effects of stress can all lead to substance use. The American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that “stress is one of the most commonly reported precipitants of drug use4” and relapse. 

More stress, or chronic stress, is also associated with a higher risk of substance use2 and addiction. 

The Neurological Relationship

Stress can raise your levels of dopamine5, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for feeling good and reinforcing the activity that feels good. Alcohol and drugs increase your levels of dopamine6, too. Stress-induced alterations in dopamine transmission can increase the risk of addictive behavior.

Because it releases dopamine, you can even become addicted to stress7. And with stress and substance use affecting the system, it can be more difficult to disconnect one from the other and cope without the dopamine they produce. 

The dopamine-intertwined relationship between stress and addiction can have negative but treatable effects on mental health and overall wellness.

Individual Factors

The relationship between stress and addiction is also influenced by individual factors, such as coping strategies and resilience. Effective coping strategies8 can protect individuals from the maladaptive effects of stress that can contribute to addiction.

On the other hand, maladaptive coping strategies, such as procrastination9, can increase the risk of addiction. Using substances as a maladaptive coping skill certainly increases the risk, too.

Additionally, those with lower levels of psychological resilience may be more susceptible to the effects of stress10 and more prone to developing addiction.

Effects of Stress And Addiction on Mental Health

Stress makes addiction and mental health conditions more likely to develop2. The untreated effects of stress increase your risk of anxiety, depression, and other mood-related disorders. In some cases, stress can cause trauma11 and conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Multiple stressors or chronic stress can also be the catalyst2 between using a substance and becoming addicted to one. The more stressors you have in your life, the more likely you are to develop an addiction. 

How to Treat Stress and Addiction

Treatment that addresses your stress and addiction simultaneously can help you heal from both conditions. Therapy, wellness activities, and at-home coping strategies can help you manage stress and recover from addiction.

Therapies for Stress and Addiction

  • Stress management skill training1: This therapy can reduce emotional reactions to stress, helping you avoid relapses. You’ll usually attend 12 sessions in group therapy, learning a specific skill each time.  
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)1: CBT can help you regulate your emotions and how to respond to stress without using substances. You’ll learn and practice coping skills in and out of therapy. 
  • Mindfulness meditation12: This therapeutic intervention helps you enter a state of meditation where you’re mindful of what you’re feeling and accepting how the emotions feel in your mind and body. Meditation practices can then lower your breathing and slow your heart, helping you calm your mind and body simultaneously. 
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)13: A mindfulness-based behavioral therapy focusing on emotional regulation. Similar to mindfulness meditation, you’ll work on becoming more aware of what you’re feeling and accepting the emotions. Then, you’ll learn how to regulate your emotions and your stress, which can help lower stress and prevent relapse. 

Stress-Reducing Activities

  • Yoga: the guided movements and stretches of yoga can help you manage stress.
  • Mindfulness: everyday mindfulness can help you hone in on big and small experiences, like feeling the wind or noticing the birds in the sky as you walk into work. Mindfulness can calm your body as your focus drifts to what’s happening around you. Mindfulness can effectively reduce stress without alcohol or drugs.
  • Exercise: movement can reduce stress and burn off nervous energy it may cause. You could go on a daily walk, spend time in the gym, or move in any way that feels good to you. 
  • Baths: a warm bath, especially one with epsom salts and essential oils, can calm the mind and body. Baths can also reduce soreness and pain. 
  • Progressive muscle relaxation14: a mindfulness technique where you gradually tense and relax your muscles. You can start at your toes and end at your head, but the pattern is up to you. 
  • Create something: art, music, or writing can take you out of a stressful mindset and help you process what’s stressing you out.
  • Self-compassion15: Dr. Kristin Neff suggests self-compassion as a tool for stress reduction–one you can do at any time. Her research has found self-critical approaches to failure or struggle only results in further stress. Practicing self-compassion can cause greater emotional calm and keep your stress from escalating.

Find Relief for Stress

Treatment can effectively stop the cycle of stress and addiction, help you avoid relapse, and feel better as a whole. You can find rehabs treating stress by browsing our list of rehabs for stress with photos, reviews, and insurance information to help you make an informed decision.

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Celebrity Recovery Stories

Celebrity recovery has long found itself in an unsavory spotlight. Magazines, paparazzi, and the general public place intense focus on the plight of suffering celebrities, often with an air of mockery. 

Celebrities coming forward with their addiction and recovery have started changing the lens of celebrity recovery stories. This is a far cry from old reports of a new celebrity in rehab suggesting culpability, shame, and judgment. 

Instead of making life unwaveringly easy, celebrity addiction stories suggest fame and fortune were not the cures to pain the general public may first assume. Despite the public scrutiny, many celebrities have recovered and inspired thousands on the way.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the first celebrities who acknowledged their addiction and advocated for recovery. She became addicted to prescription painkillers after a spinal surgery. She also struggled with alcohol addiction. 

Elizabeth Taylor decided to publicly announce her admittance to Betty Ford Center in 1983, Betty Ford’s first treatment center. By doing so, Elizabeth helped normalize the need for addiction treatment when such news was scarcely discussed, even in private.  

Though her famous career and life have since come to an end, Elizabeth showed many what living in recovery looks like—and that it’s achievable, even as a celebrity. A quote from ElizabethTaylor.com1 reads,

“Her willingness to remain open and honest, while under intense scrutiny, brought millions of people out of the darkness of shame and into the brilliance of healing.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis nursed a secret addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. She was prescribed Vicodin after a minor plastic surgery2, which she then took for years.

A friend finally caught her taking the pills and encouraged getting help. Jamie also stole Vicodin from her sister, who supported her in getting into treatment. 

Jamie has been sober since 1999; she revealed this to the public two years after gaining sobriety. She’s attended recovery meetings since her sobriety, sometimes hosting them herself in her set trailer. 

She was at first nervous she’d lose sponsorships and acting roles, but that was far from the case. Even in the earlier days of outspoken addiction recovery, her story was still widely well-received. 

Her public journey and commitment to the sober community have made her an encouragement to celebrities and non-celebrities in recovery.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper used alcohol, drugs, and “mean humor”3 to fit into the environment of Los Angeles actors. Despite his efforts, he realized he hadn’t made progress in becoming more popular—and was even doing the opposite.

In 2004, Bradley’s friend, Will Arnett, held an intervention to help him see the scope of his addiction and the harm it caused (forgetting to let his dog out all day after being on cocaine, for example). Cooper focused on his sobriety from that moment on and has been sober for almost 20 years.

Treatment also helped him grow his self-esteem and become confident without using substances to fit in. Now, he’s known to be generous, charming, and kind.  

Robert Downey Jr 

Robert Downey Jr’s experience with drugs began at age 64, when his father offered him marijuana. They used various substances together throughout his childhood. Downey Jr, like many others, was soon caught in the cycle of using to self-soothe and hide from the negative effects his addiction had on his life.

Robert Downey Jr has been arrested multiple times for drug use5 and spent a year in prison. After his third arrest, he checked himself into rehab and has stayed sober. A recent documentary featuring his late father details his recovery and history with addiction.

After becoming sober, Robert Downey Jr went on to have a wildly successful career. He speaks about his addiction and recovery to highlight the sobriety journey and offer his real-life success story.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter, used alcohol to cope with the scrutiny and pressure6 of such a monumental role. He’s said his way of dealing with it was “just to drink more or get more drunk, so I did a lot of that for a few years.”

He would drink to forget he was being watched, then drink more to forget they were watching the “boy wizard” get drunk. As the movies drew to a close, Daniel continued to use alcohol to distance himself from the end and from figuring out who he was outside the role. 

With support from friends, he started his sobriety in 2010. He’s been sober since and enjoying new roles outside the wizarding world. 

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan has a successful acting career freckled with jail time, arrests, and rehab. She described alcohol as a gateway drug for her, and she dabbled in cocaine to fit in with the party scene. 

She received her first DUI at age 207 and was in court for various drug/alcohol-related convictions 20 times from 2007-2012. A judge ordered her to go to court-ordered drug rehab in 2012. She credits that as what turned her life around. 

After regaining sobriety, Lindsay Lohan moved to the United Arab Emirates for a quieter, more anonymous life. She’s since gotten back into acting and helping others along their sobriety journeys.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore’s struggles with drugs and alcohol began as young as 9 years old. She attended rehab twice by age 128 and was hospitalized for 18 months following a suicide attempt and continued substance use. Her public struggles with addiction and mental health at first made it difficult to find roles. 

After her hospital stay, Drew emancipated from her parents. She eventually found success in acting again and married. She then divorced and married again later, having two children before a second divorce.

Her second divorce in 2016 drove her to alcohol use9. She says, “It was just trying to numb the pain and feel good—and alcohol totally did that for me.” An unnamed rehab facility and her daughters helped her recover.

Now, Drew Barrymore inspires other celebrities to talk about mental health and addiction on her talk show The Drew Barrymore Show and beyond.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck rose to fame in the early 90s. He went to rehab for alcoholism10 and a reset in 2001, then again in 2017 and 2018. 

A divorce in 2016 exacerbated his drinking. He went to rehab again, regained sobriety, and has since had relapses—some of which were famously documented. But he didn’t let that derail his recovery. 

Ben has become strong in his 12-Step program and, more generally, as a celebrity in recovery. He’s been quoted to say11, 

“It doesn’t really bother me to talk about alcoholism and being an alcoholic. It’s part of my life. It’s something that I deal with. It doesn’t have to sort of subsume my whole identity and be everything, but it is something that, you know, you have to work at.”

Demi Lovato

Demi’s first experience with drugs came when she was 13 and prescribed opioids after a car accident. Bullying and an early rise to fame led her to start cocaine in 2009, at age 17.

A sexual assault, and the coping skills she used after, eventually led her to treatment for self-harm and an eating disorder in 2010. There, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder12. Demi checked into a sober home shortly after, in 2013.

Demi stayed sober for 6 years after years of heavy drinking and drug use (mainly cocaine). She highlighted her eating disorder recovery in 2017. But in July of 2018, she suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose13. After a 2-week hospital stay, Demi was released. 

She later relapsed on heroin, which served as another wake-up call. Demi got back into treatment and adopted a California sober approach to recovery, which meant she still used weed and alcohol in moderation. In the last couple years, she’s changed her approach to sober-sober14, or not drinking and using drugs in any amount.  

Now, Demi continues to take her journey day-by-day with an attitude of humility and hope.

John Mulaney

As one might expect, comedian John Mulaney describes his addiction with a unique level of hilarity. He first went to rehab in December 202015 after initially getting sober in his early twenties.

He became addicted to cocaine and prescription pain pills, which he kept on hand through shady (or clever) routes. One included buying and pawning a watch to purchase drugs with the cash. In other schemes, he went to low-rated doctors who he knew wouldn’t turn down the prescription requests of any new patient. 

At first, he feared the public’s response to his addiction and how it went against his public-facing demeanor. However, many received the news with little to no judgment, instead feeling glad he sought help. This highlights the upward swing in the public’s perception of addiction. 

He credits his friends and their intervention as what got him to get help. Reflecting on his 3-year sobriety, he says, “​​I used to care what everyone thought about me so much…And I don’t anymore. Because I can honestly say, ‘What is someone gonna do to me that’s worse than what I would do to myself?'”

Start Your Recovery Journey

Time has shown the deep humanity of celebrities, despite what the media might have us believe. Their stardom doesn’t save them from suffering; but it can make them excellent advocates for recovery. Money and fame didn’t make them recover. Their own personal choices and efforts did. 

Whether or not you’re a famous actor, comedian, or other celebrity, you have resources for your recovery. Celebrity addiction stories highlight that truth. A residential rehab could provide the safe, structured environment you need to begin, and maintain, your recovery.
You can browse our list of rehabs to see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more all in one place.

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What Is Biomedical Therapy and How Can It Help With Recovery?

Healing your mental health is a lot like adding tools to a toolbox, especially when you attend residential rehab where you can try different kinds of therapy. As you experience different treatment options, you’re able to keep what works best for you. A common and effective tool in many people’s toolbox is biomedical therapy, which includes medications and some medical procedures. 

At rehabs that offer biomedical therapy, you can see these options for yourself while under the supervision of a medical professional for your safety. 

What Is Biomedical Therapy?

Biomedical therapy is the use of medications or medical procedures1 to reduce the symptoms of a range of mental health and addiction issues. From a biomedical perspective, mental health conditions are brain diseases2 with chemical and biological causes. 

Biomedical therapy is very similar to how doctors treat physical diseases, using medicine to both reduce your symptoms and correct the cause of the disease. Biomedical therapy differs from psychotherapy because it focuses on the biological causes of conditions. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, weighs how your environment, relationships, childhood, and more have influenced your mental health. 

It’s common for your treatment plan to include biomedical therapies3 in addition to other types of therapy. So you may take certain medications while also regularly going to one-on-one therapy sessions. 

Types of Biomedical Therapy

How Pharmacotherapy Helps Treatment

The use of medications, or pharmacotherapy, treats the symptoms of mental health conditions.4 Some conditions like bipolar disorder may require continuous medication to control your symptoms long-term. But it’s also common for your doctor to prescribe them for a short period to ease your symptoms so you can focus on the rest of your therapies while in treatment.

Studies show that medications can help enhance psychotherapy5 by reducing distracting symptoms. Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Director at Soberman’s Estate, explains: 

“Medications can work with psychotherapy. In fact, patients whose depression has lifted or have their severe anxiety under control can do better in psychotherapy. They’re able to focus, concentrate and delve into their psyche much better when they’re stable.”

There are 5 types of medications6 that are common in mental health treatment:

  • Antidepressants, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or insomnia.
  • Anti-anxiety medications, like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, can help people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
  • Stimulants are common in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.
  • Antipsychotics can help people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or other conditions that cause delusions or hallucinations, including some addictions.
  • Mood stabilizers, like lithium, reduce the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, usually in addition to antidepressants.

It’s common for people to try a few different medications before finding one that works7 best for them. But it’s important to do these trials with a medical professional. They’ll be able to give guidance and address any concerns about side effects. 

Medical Procedures for Mental Health Conditions

While pharmacotherapy is the most popular form of biomedical therapy, doctors also use certain medical procedures to address mental health conditions like depression. 

In the past, invasive and life-altering surgeries like lobotomies were more common. Now, the practice of psychosurgery is much safer8 thanks to improvements in technique. Still, these surgeries are not very common. Doctors will typically only consider them an option after exhausting all other treatment options. 

Beyond surgery, treatment centers use other types of medical procedures to treat mental health conditions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)9 is one example. In ECT, a doctor passes electric currents through your brain, causing a small seizure while you’re under general anesthesia. This stimulates your brain and can quickly change chemical imbalances that may be causing your mental health issues. It’s one of the most effective treatment options for people with treatment-resistant depression, but people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may also benefit. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a biomedical therapy method that’s becoming more popular. While ECT uses an electric current, TMS uses magnetic waves sent into targeted areas of the brain. It’s non-invasive and can help treat treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even some addictions. Jerry Vaccaro, president of All Points North Lodge, says TMS is a beneficial supplementary therapy for many because “people find that it’s easy to do, it takes very little time, side effects are minimal and the results are quite good.” 

Like pharmacotherapy treatment options, your treatment team, therapist, or primary care physician can help you determine if any of these medical procedures are right for you. 

How Does Biomedical Therapy Work?

Some biomedical therapies require a medical doctor to supervise. For example, in some states like California, only a psychiatrist or physician can prescribe mental health medications,10 not therapists. In others, a technician or nurse practitioner can perform the therapy. However, they all require a trained medical professional to ensure your safety. And in rehab, your entire treatment team will be involved in deciding which therapies make the most sense for you and evaluating if they’re effective. 

In most cases, biomedical therapies are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. A psychiatrist can prescribe you antidepressants to take both during residential treatment and for afterwards if necessary. ECT and TMS are also both available as outpatient procedures, but you can also receive them in rehabs that have the necessary staff and equipment. The only type of biomedical therapy that typically requires hospitalization is psychosurgery. 

The length of biomedical treatment also depends on the specific therapy and the severity of your condition. For instance, people with moderate depression who respond well to medication will usually only take antidepressants for 4-9 months.11 But many people with schizophrenia may have to take medications for the rest of their lives12 to manage symptoms. 

What Disorders Does Biomedical Therapy Treat?

In the last 30 years in the U.S., the biomedical treatment model has been the dominant approach13 to mental health. This means a large body of research has been focused on biomedical therapy options for some of the most prevalent mental health conditions. 

Depression

Antidepressants are very common in depression treatment. They’re most effective in treating moderate to severe depression. The goal of antidepressants is to alleviate your symptoms14 for long enough that you prevent relapse and find new coping skills. However, it’s important to note that the most effective treatment plan for depression15 is a combination of biomedical psychiatry and psychotherapy.  

ECT and TMS are also effective in treating depression.16 Most of the benefits of ECT and TMS occur in the short term with an almost immediate improvement in symptoms. However, there’s not enough research to establish that they can prevent relapses in the long term.

Anxiety

For people with a range of anxiety disorders, medication can be an effective tool in treatment.17 SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually the first options for anxiety treatment. You may take them for as little as 3 months or as long as multiple years, depending on how your anxiety reacts. There are also a few new pharmacological options for anxiety, including ketamine and psychedelics, that some studies have proven effective. However, these are less common and research is still quite new. 

Schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medications are a pillar in most treatment plans for schizophrenia. After a psychotic episode, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antipsychotic medication immediately to prevent major changes in your brain18 and help you return to your regular functioning. But it’s also common for mental health providers to continue to prescribe medications even months after an episode. This type of maintenance therapy can help prevent relapse and allow you to experience more stability in your mood and relationships.  

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Studies show that 70% of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience reduced symptoms19 after taking appropriate medications. SSRIs are the most common prescription for people with OCD, but doctors may also prescribe other types depending on your symptoms. 

Initial research also shows that TMS may be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.20 TMS requires a psychiatrist’s referral and with such new research, it may not be widely available to people with OCD just yet. 

People with very severe and treatment-resistant OCD have also found success with psychosurgery.21 However, this is usually only an option for people who have exhausted all others. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

From the biomedical psychiatry perspective, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by a biological change in how you perceive fear. And studies show that people with PTSD have a few key imbalances in the brain22 related to the “fight or flight” response. PTSD may also have physical symptoms like high blood pressure, which hints at the biological link. 

With these imbalances in mind, pharmacotherapy is an effective treatment method for PTSD.23 And psychiatrists will consider your symptoms when prescribing your specific medications. For example, you may take an SSRI to reduce symptoms like re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, while other medications can help prevent PTSD-related nightmares. Your treatment team will be able to map out the most effective medications for your symptoms and lifestyle. 

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is another mental health condition where biomedical psychiatry can be beneficial. Doctors commonly prescribe medications like lithium or antidepressants like Prozac. These types of medications help stabilize your symptoms24 and mindset, which makes it easier to both attend and make the most of talk therapy. Researchers have also found TMS to be effective for reducing depressive symptoms25 in people with bipolar disorder. 

However, treating bipolar disorder can be a tricky balance because sometimes medications or TMS can trigger depressive or manic episodes, so it’s crucial to have open lines of communication with your mental health provider to prevent those swings. And because people with bipolar disorder are at higher risk for developing addiction,26 open communication with your psychiatrist is important to prevent becoming dependent on your prescription medications. 

Biomedical Therapy for Addiction

Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explains that much like mental health issues, addiction is also “a brain disease27 because drugs change the brain — they change its structure and how it works.” And because of those brain changes, biomedical psychiatry can be beneficial for treating addiction. 

Medications for Addiction Recovery

Medications are a widely used treatment option for many different aspects of addiction recovery. During detox, many providers use medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious complications. For example, if you’re detoxing from alcohol, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine to manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Once you’ve detoxed and you’re in rehab, your treatment team may also suggest taking medications to ease both withdrawal and mental health symptoms28 to allow you to focus on other forms of therapy. They can also prevent cravings and help you relax more in treatment. 

Other pharmacotherapy treatments are longer term. If you’re recovering from opioid addiction, you may use medications like methadone or buprenorphine to prevent relapses29 and manage your symptoms. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse advises that “medication should be the first line of treatment”30 for opioid addiction.  

Plus, for people with co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety in addition to addiction, medications can play an important role in treatment.31 Your doctor may prescribe medications that alleviate your mental health symptoms to make other forms of therapy easier. You might take antidepressants to reduce depressive fatigue, for example, so you have more energy for your group therapy sessions. 

However, it’s very important that a medical professional supervises the use of all medications, especially in the case of co-occurring disorders. Some medications commonly used for treating addiction can have dangerous interactions32 with anxiety medications. A rehab that specializes in treating co-occurring disorders will understand those risks and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. 

Biomedical Treatment Can Be an Effective Tool for Recovery

For most people seeking treatment for mental health issues or addiction, recovery doesn’t come from just one type of therapy. There’s no magic cure for these conditions. But research and years of practice have shown that there are effective and safe ways to approach recovery, including biomedical therapy. Taking medications or undergoing certain medical procedures can be an important aspect of your healing, especially when combined with other therapies like behavioral or holistic treatments. 
To learn more about the role that biomedical treatment can play in your recovery journey, see our list of rehabs that offer biomedical therapy.

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Rehabs That Allow Smoking: Tobacco and Vaping Policies in Rehab

Are you getting ready to enter treatment, but not sure if you can pack cigarettes? Or are you anxious about the possibility you may not be able to smoke for the next few weeks? Many rehabs allow patients to smoke outside at their facility. But rehab also presents a great opportunity for you to quit smoking with the full support of a clinical team. And rehabs that have smoking cessation programs provide specialized treatment for people wanting to quit for good. 

Can You Smoke Cigarettes in Rehab?

Almost every single rehab in the U.S. has an indoor ban on smoking,1 but most rehabs allow smoking outdoors. That’s because most state laws require rehabs to ban indoor smoking. However, a few states also ban smoking anywhere on a rehab’s campus:2

Other countries have different smoking policies. Many countries ban indoor smoking,3 especially in healthcare facilities. However, if you’re interested in traveling abroad for addiction treatment, you can contact your rehab to ask about their tobacco policies.  

Most of these laws are specifically about cigarettes and cigars, because of how new e-cigarettes are. However, some states already have bans on indoor e-cigarette smoking,4 which includes treatment centers. And many rehabs’ smoking policies extend to e-cigarettes. 

Your rehab’s treatment philosophy can also influence their views on smoking. Some providers believe that restricting patients’ use of tobacco adds stress to treatment.5 In fact, smoking used to be encouraged during addiction treatment6 because providers saw it as a less harmful addiction. 

However, studies actually show that smoking cessation promotes abstinence7 from other substances and can even reduce risk of relapse. And the research shows that treatment is most effective when you address both tobacco and other addictions8 at the same time. 

Whether or not you can smoke in rehab depends on your specific treatment center’s policies. You can always call ahead to ask if they’re not in a state that mandates tobacco-free grounds. 

Why Do Rehabs Allow Smoking?

For some people, the prospect of treatment without the ability to smoke may prevent them from going to rehab. If that’s how you feel, then a rehab that allows you to smoke could ease your anxiety and transition into treatment. 

While almost all rehabs prohibit smoking indoors, about 65% of U.S. rehabs allow smoking9 in designated outdoor areas. For example, Landmark Recovery in Kentucky allows patients to smoke outside. But they also encourage patients to quit smoking and provide therapeutic support for those who wish to do so.  

landmark recovery sign
Landmark Recovery in Kentucky allows patients to smoke outside, but provides therapeutic support for those who want to quit.

Smoking Bans in Rehab Facilities

If you don’t smoke, or if you’re looking to quit smoking, then a smoke-free rehab is a good choice to avoid both secondhand smoke and social pressure to smoke. About 35% of U.S. rehabs have tobacco-free grounds.10 

One example is Paradise Valley Healing Center in British Columbia, Canada. Their Founder & Director, Nirmala Raniga, explains why tobacco is important to quit:

“Smoking is more than an addiction to nicotine. It is a physical and emotional release from stress and tension. It meets an inherent need that smokers might not have been able to address any other way.”

She also acknowledges the link between tobacco and other addictions to explain why they ban smoking: 

“Very often, those who stop drinking will turn for example, to smoking or even caffeine as a substitute for alcohol. Instead of substituting one substance for another as a way to address the pain arising, the recovering person must get to the root of the traumatic issues that led to the addiction in the first place. Only then, will this cycle be broken.”

If you decide to take the opportunity to stop smoking during rehab, many centers offer smoking cessation programs to help you quit.  

paradise valley facility
Paradise Valley Healing Center in British Columbia bans smoking to help their clients avoid substituting one addiction for another.

Smoking Cessation Programs in Addiction Rehab

Studies show that up to 87% of patients in addiction treatment smoke tobacco.11 And patients in treatment for substance abuse are more likely to die from their tobacco addiction12 than from their primary addiction, which is why many states have started to mandate smoking cessation programs.

About 25% of states require rehabs to provide smoking cessation programs.13 And studies show that these mandates have been successful. For example, when New Jersey began to require smoking cessation programs in all licensed rehabs, tobacco abstinence increased significantly,14 while dropout rates stayed constant. These programs help many quit smoking and don’t lead people to leave treatment early because they can’t smoke. 

Benefits to Quitting Smoking in Rehab

Quitting smoking builds your resilience15 and confidence in your ability to manage your addiction, which is helpful for preventing relapse. 

Plus, quitting smoking improves your mental health16 almost immediately. After withdrawal symptoms, most people experience a more positive mood and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress. This uptick in your mental state may make treatment both easier and more successful. 

Quitting tobacco is great for your physical health.17 Most people who quit find it easier to exercise and tend to develop more nourishing eating habits. Rehab is an opportunity to start a new life. Quitting smoking allows you to kick-start your new lifestyle in an even stronger way. 

Smoking Cessation Treatment Methods 

Smoking cessation programs in rehabs can be incorporated into the rest of your treatment program. And just like other addictions, there are several different therapy options for quitting smoking:18

Studies show that the most effective smoking cessation programs19 are a combination of counseling and medications. Your rehab will have its own program to help you quit smoking while you work on other addiction or mental health issues.

Quit Smoking in Rehab for Long-Term Success

If you’re worried about not being able to smoke in rehab and it’s holding you back from seeking treatment, plenty of rehabs allow smoking outdoors. However, research shows that this is actually an ideal time for you to quit smoking. You’ll be surrounded by professionals who can help you find new coping strategies in a healing and supportive setting. 


Explore rehabs with smoking cessation programs to learn more about pricing, insurance, treatment options, and more.