Author: Kayla Gill

With 9 years in the rehab space, Kayla has overseen the creation of comprehensive addiction treatment content for online audiences worldwide. Her experience managing content for a luxury destination rehab, and her personal path to healing via residential rehab and various therapeutic modalities, inform her first-hand understanding of recovery. She takes inclusion seriously and is especially interested in how trauma and minority experiences shape readers’ journeys.
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Focus on Recovery: Finding Treatment for Prescription Stimulant Addiction

In our accelerating world, it can be hard to keep up. It’s no wonder that some people turn to prescription stimulants to cope. Drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Concerta —sometimes called “smart drugs” or “study drugs”—can be very helpful for people with ADHD, narcolepsy, and major depression, when taken as prescribed. But if you’re vulnerable to addiction, they can quickly get out of hand.

If stimulants are having a negative impact on your life, you may need treatment for a substance use disorder. Recovery is possible for anyone—even people who began taking stimulants for an underlying condition. You can work with a team of providers to find a more sustainable way to manage your other symptoms, while still moving beyond the cycle of addiction.

Treatments for Stimulant Use Disorder
A variety of therapies are proven to be effective in combating smart drug addiction. Most treatment plans focus on behavior and mental health, because stimulant addiction can be hard to treat with medication. According to a review from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently “no accepted FDA-approved pharmacotherapy treatment options available” for stimulant use disorders. ((Chan, B., Kondo, K., Ayers, C., Freeman, M., Montgomery, J., Paynter, R., & Kansagara, D. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for stimulant use disorders: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536789)) Despite this, patients can engage in a variety of treatments, including psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.

Contingency Management

Contingency management is a behavioral treatment for stimulant misuse. ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 33. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP21-02-01-004. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP21-02-01-004.pdf)) It provides patients with tangible rewards to incentivize recovery. For example, you might get a certain number of vouchers for attending therapy, or testing negative for substance use. This strategy is shown to reduce cravings and risky behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is not a type of therapy, per se. Instead, it’s a conversation style that can be adopted by any healthcare provider, including doctors, nurses, and counselors. This client-centered approach puts the patient in the driver’s seat. Rather than forcing you to accept a specific form of treatment, your clinician will make space for you to process feelings of ambivalence, trusting that you know what course of action is right for you. Evidence suggests that motivational interviewing can decrease the duration and quantity of patients’ stimulant use. ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP20-06-01-001 Rockville, MD: National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of 1:1 talk therapy that identifies and modifies harmful thinking and behavior. In this treatment approach, you’ll work with a counselor to develop healthier responses to the impulses that aren’t serving you. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), CBT helps patients decrease the quantity and frequency of their stimulant use, ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP20-06-01-001 Rockville, MD: National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-06-01-001_508.pdf)) and decrease risky sexual behaviors.

Because medical interventions aren’t always helpful for patients with stimulant addiction, your plan of care will probably focus on behavioral modalities. But if you have a co-occurring disorder, like ADHD, the recommended treatment approach may be more complex.

Stimulant Misuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

Stimulants are most often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (2018, June 6). Prescription stimulants drugfacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants)) and may also be used to treat narcolepsy or depression. When used correctly, they can be very effective. However, their high risk of abuse can be dangerous for people who are vulnerable to developing addictions. And furthermore, some experts are concerned that these study drugs are being overprescribed.

While the opioid epidemic has been the center of most addiction therapy legislation and research in recent years, the rising trends in the use of prescription stimulant addiction and mortality ((Piper, B. J., Ogden, C. L., Simoyan, O. M., Chung, D. Y., Caggiano, J. F., Nichols, S. D., & McCall, K. L. (2018). Trends in use of prescription stimulants in the United States and Territories, 2006 to 2016. PLoS ONE, 13(11), e0206100. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206100)) paint a concerning picture. And much like opiates, stimulants have a high risk of diversion ((Piper, B. J., Ogden, C. L., Simoyan, O. M., Chung, D. Y., Caggiano, J. F., Nichols, S. D., & McCall, K. L. (2018). Trends in use of prescription stimulants in the United States and Territories, 2006 to 2016. PLoS ONE, 13(11), e0206100. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206100))—being sold or given away by a person with a prescription, and subsequently taken by someone else. Whether or not you have a prescription for stimulants, their overuse can be extremely dangerous.

Neurochemical Effects of Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants increase levels of neurochemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, ((Sofuoglu, M., & Sewell, R. A. (2009). Norepinephrine and stimulant addiction. Addiction Biology, 14(2), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00138.x)) boosting the speed at which the brain communicates. The result is increased physiological activity and reduced time for messages to travel from the brain to the body and back. In the short term, this makes many people feel alert and energized.

Based on your exact brain chemistry, though, you may have a different reaction to study drugs. For instance, if you have ADHD and take an appropriate amount of Adderall, it should alleviate your symptoms and help you focus. Whether or not you have this diagnosis, overusing a stimulant can have negative effects. ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 33. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP21-02-01-004. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP21-02-01-004.pdf))

Unfortunately, tolerance to smart drugs builds quickly. The effect of stimulants on dopamine ((Yanofski, J. (2011). The dopamine dilemma—Part ii. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(1), 47–53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036556/)) is so volatile that, in some cases, this can happen within a matter of hours. Most users require increasingly larger doses over shorter periods of time to achieve the same result.

According to SAMHSA, stimulant overuse can also cause dangerous side effects ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP20-06-01-001 Rockville, MD: National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-06-01-001_508.pdf)) like “panic attacks, hostility, paranoia, psychosis, and even violent behavior.” These side effects can be signs of a serious addiction. And if you first started using stimulants because of another diagnosis, you might need to consider alternative treatment in order to begin recovery.

ADHD and Stimulant Misuse

Scientists believe there is a complex relationship between ADHD and substance use disorders. ((Mariani, J. J., & Levin, F. R. (2007). Treatment strategies for co-occurring adhd and substance use disorders. The American Journal on Addictions / American Academy of Psychiatrists in Alcoholism and Addictions, 16(Suppl 1), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550490601082783)) According to one study, these 2 conditions frequently co-occur in the same patients. And although prescribed stimulants are the primary treatment for ADHD, these medications can interfere with recovery from substance misuse.

If you have both of these diagnoses, it’s important to work with a team of healthcare providers who have experience with co-occurring disorders. Together, you can weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options. If you do use medication to control your ADHD, you may need to be monitored for signs of addiction even after you complete the initial phases of treatment.

Depression and Stimulant Misuse

While stimulants can be prescribed for people with major depression, they’re far from the only treatment option. If you’re in recovery from a stimulant use disorder, you may be a better candidate for other prescriptions. Many people with depression see improvement with SSRIs, SNRIs, and other non-addictive medications.

Narcolepsy and Stimulant Misuse

Because of the neurological processes involved with narcolepsy, it’s highly unlikely for these patients to develop substance use disorders. And since narcolepsy is commonly treated with stimulants, ((Turner, M. (2019). The treatment of narcolepsy with amphetamine-based stimulant medications: A call for better understanding. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 15(5), 803–805. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.7788)) people with this condition often have prescriptions for these drugs of abuse. This ease of access can be a risk factor for addiction, either for them or the people around them.

Risk Factors for Stimulant Addiction

Many people who misuse stimulants start by taking them as prescribed. ((Compton, W. M., Han, B., Blanco, C., Johnson, K., & Jones, C. M. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of prescription stimulant use, misuse, use disorders, and motivations for misuse among adults in the U.S. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(8), 741–755. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17091048)) Over time, as your tolerance goes up, you may be tempted to increase your dose without medical supervision. This is just one of several risk factors for developing a stimulant misuse disorder.

Academic Pressure

Stimulants are known as “smart drugs” because of their prevalence among college students. ((Trudeau, M. (2009, February 5). More students turning illegally to “smart” drugs. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2009/02/05/100254163/more-students-turning-illegally-to-smart-drugs)) There’s a great deal of research connecting substance misuse and the need—or perceived need—for academic enhancement. One study found that students with low confidence in their academic abilities were at especially high risk for misusing prescription stimulants. ((Looby, A., Beyer, D. L., & Zimmerman, L. (2015). Non-medical prescription stimulant use: Investigating modifiable risk factors. Addiction Research & Theory, 23(2), 143–147. https://doi.org/10.3109/16066359.2014.946411)) Another suggested that college enrollment was a risk factor for stimulant abuse ((Herman-Stahl, M. A., Krebs, C. P., Kroutil, L. A., & Heller, D. C. (2007). Risk and protective factors for methamphetamine use and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among young adults aged 18 to 25. Addictive Behaviors, 32(5), 1003–1015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.07.010)) in and of itself.

Family History

Experts believe there may also be a genetic component to this diagnosis. In one study, researchers reported that “stimulant drug users with a family history of substance abuse ((Just, A. L., Meng, C., Smith, D. G., Bullmore, E. T., Robbins, T. W., & Ersche, K. D. (2019). Effects of familial risk and stimulant drug use on the anticipation of monetary reward: An fMRI study. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0399-4)) are eight times more likely to develop an addiction than those without a family history.”

It’s important to remember that substance misuse is complex. While genetics may play a role in addiction, they’re far from the only factor. Adverse life experiences can also be risk factors for any substance use disorder, including stimulant addiction.

Intimate Violence

Researchers have linked stimulant abuse with intimate violence. For example, one report found that women with a recent history of sexual assault have a “significantly higher” risk of stimulant misuse. ((Riley, E. D., Shumway, M., Knight, K. R., Guzman, D., Cohen, J., & Weiser, S. D. (2015). Risk factors for stimulant use among homeless and unstably housed adult women. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 153, 173–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.023)) Experts believe that people who receive trauma-informed care after assault may be at a lower risk of developing addictions. However, more research is required.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can get support from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.4673 to access these services.

Reasons for Recovery

Although everyone’s recovery journey is unique, people struggling with stimulant addiction often have certain experiences in common. Many seek recovery after passing their threshold for living with its consequences. As painful as that moment can be, it also has the potential to be inspiring.

In an anonymous survey of people in recovery, one respondent describes how his stimulant misuse damaged his mental health. ((Spencer, L. P., Addison, M., Alderson, H., McGovern, W., McGovern, R., Kaner, E., & O’Donnell, A. (2021). ‘The drugs did for me what i couldn’t do for myself’: A qualitative exploration of the relationship between mental health and amphetamine-type stimulant (Ats) use. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 15, 117822182110608. https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218211060852)) “I hated myself,” he says, “all that self-loathing and… self-hatred. I thought everybody hated me.” After receiving treatment, he now feels “grateful that I hit that rock bottom and I realized I’d had enough.”

Of course, this experience isn’t universal—rock bottom is not a prerequisite to getting sober. And, you may be vulnerable to relapse even after attending rehab or stimulant misuse. When you do start treatment, your clinical team will help you prepare a treatment plan that guides you through the first stages of recovery and includes considerations for relapse prevention as you re-enter your daily life.

It may seem intimidating now, but the first step is the hardest. And you don’t have to do it alone. There are plenty of dedicated professionals with experience helping people just like you successfully recover from prescription stimulant addiction.

For more information on treatment options including facilities, specialized programming, accreditations and more, see our directory of rehabs that treat prescription drug addiction.

Reviewed by Lisa Misquith

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How to Set Boundaries With an Addicted Loved One

It is, in fact, possible to love someone too much. When you care about a person with an addiction, it can be hard to stop yourself from giving. But over time, generosity can become counterproductive. In the very attempt to support them, you may be enabling their unhealthiest behaviors. If what they really need is treatment for a substance use disorder, you both might benefit from a little tough love.

Because addiction begets codependency, it’s crucial for you to set and maintain healthy boundaries. This process might be daunting at first. You may be concerned about being too harsh, especially if your loved one is facing other challenges. But setting boundaries is often the first step toward healing—for yourself, your relationship, and the person you love.

Adding ‘No’ to Your Love Language

Good boundaries are an important part of any dynamic, and they are even more critical when your loved one has a substance use disorder. Although it can be painful to establish ground rules, this process is a vital part of building sustainable relationships, and caring for your own mental health.

Think of healthy boundaries as rules or guidelines for how you want to be treated by the people around you. As therapist and somatics teacher Prentis Hemphill says, “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” ((Boundaries: Definition, examples & how to set them. (n.d.). The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. Retrieved from https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/boundaries.html))

It’s up to you to define what behavior you will and will not accept, communicate that to your loved ones, and decide what the consequences will be if you’re mistreated. By protecting yourself, you can also provide better, more sustainable support to a loved one with a substance use disorder. And the act of loving yourself can encourage those around you to set their own boundaries. It may even inspire them to begin recovery.

Defining Your Needs

When you’re ready to start this process, begin by looking inward. It might be helpful to talk to a therapist or trusted friend, or spend time journaling about your feelings. Think about your most deeply held beliefs, your goals for yourself, and your needs in this relationship. Make sure your stated boundaries reflect your core values, without sacrificing your well-being for someone else’s sake.

With the big picture in mind, consider what you need from the other person in order to feel safe. This may seem selfish, especially if you’ve been deprioritizing your own needs for a long time. Try to accept that discomfort as part of the process.

Boundaries can be as simple or as complex as you need them to be. The following examples may help you start thinking about what’s right for you.

  • I won’t pay your bills or give you money.
  • I won’t answer the phone if you call after a certain time of night.
  • I won’t communicate with you while I’m at work or busy with other things.
  • I won’t drink or take other substances when we’re together.
  • I won’t spend time with you while you’re drunk or high.
  • I won’t engage in conversations that idealize substance misuse.
  • I won’t communicate with you again until you’re in treatment.

These are just examples, and they may not suit your specific situation. Once you’ve determined which boundaries you need to set, you can start thinking about how you’ll respond if they’re crossed.

Establishing Consequences

Boundaries are only meaningful when you’re prepared to maintain them. This can prove difficult over time, especially when challenging situations arise. Do your best to plan in advance how you’ll respond if your loved one crosses a clearly communicated line.

Consequences aren’t necessarily punishments; instead, they’re a way to support yourself through difficult relationship dynamics. For example, you might institute some of the following consequences if a loved one disrespects your boundaries:

  • If you show up at my home unannounced, I won’t let you in.
  • If you call or text me while I’m at work, I’ll block your number for 24 hours.
  • If your behavior puts me in physical danger, I will leave immediately, no matter what we’re doing.
  • If you arrive later than planned because you’ve been drinking or doing drugs, I won’t spend time with you that day.
  • If you miss therapy or a support group meeting, I won’t speak to you until after you attend your next session.

Make sure these consequences are clear, firm, and realistic. For example, if a long-distance friend lies to you, you can stop speaking to them. That same consequence wouldn’t work for a roommate or live-in partner. Even if you decide to move out and end the relationship, you’ll have to communicate about logistics. If you can’t follow through on these predefined consequences, your loved one may feel empowered to ignore your needs entirely.

Defining your boundaries is an act of self-care. And once you’ve done that work, it’s time to talk to your loved one. This conversation might be difficult, but it’s the first step toward building a healthier dynamic.

Talking it Through

Clear communication is a necessary part of changing a relationship dynamic. And when your loved one has a substance use disorder, you may not be able to rely on them to start these important conversations.

It’s best to schedule this discussion in advance, so that you’ll both have time to emotionally prepare. If at all possible, approach your loved one when they’re calm and sober. If that’s not possible, don’t delay the conversation indefinitely. You have the right to ask for what you need, whether or not they can give it to you.

This is your opportunity to articulate your boundaries as clearly and effectively as possible. You might even take notes in advance, to help organize your thoughts. You can also discuss why you’re putting these guidelines in place, but you don’t have to. Your needs don’t require justification.

Make sure this conversation focuses on the real reason for this new framework: your love for the other person, and your concern for your mutual well-being. If you didn’t want them in your life at all, you could simply walk away instead of doing this work together. Let them know that you care about them, and that this is how you can keep supporting them without burning out or ending your relationship entirely.

Maintaining Healthy Boundaries

After you’ve explained what your boundaries are, it’s up to you to hold the line. Your loved one may be unwilling or unable to respect your limits, especially if their addiction is severe enough to have lasting cognitive effects. Preliminary research suggests that substance misuse may even interfere with empathy, ((Massey, S. H., Newmark, R. L., & Wakschlag, L. S. (2018). Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda. Drug and Alcohol Review, 37(3), 316–332. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12548)) making it difficult for people to understand others’ needs.

Be prepared for your loved one to ignore or actively disrespect your stated boundaries. This may happen during the initial conversation, if they try to argue or undermine your reasoning. But even if they seem supportive at first, you may come into conflict in the future.

You can prepare for this eventuality by deciding in advance how you’ll react if your boundaries are challenged. While it’s natural to respond with anger, it’s also ineffective. This opens the door for further argument, and may destabilize both your mental health and your relationship.

The other extreme, passivity, is equally unproductive. By quietly allowing the person to disrespect you, you send the message that your needs are not important. This can encourage them to continue treating you poorly, because their bad behavior has no negative consequences.

By planning ahead, you can guard against either of these outcomes. Set the precedent that you deserve love and support. And whether or not you receive care from them, you can give it to yourself. This framework will not only improve your mental health; it can also improve your relationship. It might even show your loved one a much-needed example of self-care, and motivate them to think about recovery.

The Benefits of Healthy Boundaries

It’s ok to be conflicted about setting boundaries. Many people struggle to balance their own needs with the desire to protect loved ones from negative consequences. Remember that this process, while complex, will ultimately benefit you both. In fact, healthy boundaries can improve many aspects of mental health and relationships.

Cultivating Compassion

You can’t pour from an empty cup. When caring for someone depletes your emotional energy, you become vulnerable to compassion fatigue. ((Are you experiencing compassion fatigue? (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/compassion-fatigue)) This condition is similar to burnout, and can make it difficult for you to continue supporting the people you love. While the term is normally used to describe burnout in healthcare professionals, anyone can reach a similar limit. And even if you still want to put your loved one’s needs before your own, you might reach a point where you just can’t care for them any more.

By giving yourself room to breathe and recharge through clear-cut boundaries, you can maintain reserves of energy, patience, and mental bandwidth. This practice empowers you to support your loved one in a more sustainable way.

Working Through Codependency

The concept of codependency ((Stafford, L. L. (2001). Is codependency a meaningful concept? Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 22(3), 273–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840121607)) was originally developed to describe maladaptive behaviors of people married to patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In recent years, the subject has become controversial. Some researchers believe that this condition is too vague to be clinically meaningful. Nevertheless, many people continue to find help and support by exploring their own codependent tendencies.

According to the American Psychological Association, codependency is “a dysfunctional relationship pattern ((Apa dictionary of psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/)) in which an individual is psychologically dependent on (or controlled by) a person who has a pathological addiction.” This pattern may present itself in some counterintuitive ways. For example, a codependent person may attempt to control the behavior of their loved ones, without realizing their own actions are causing harm.

Despite common misconceptions, it’s important to note that relationships are not codependent; people are. By uncoupling your identity from your loved one’s identity—and their substance misuse—you can begin to define the boundaries that will protect your energy and mental health.

Turning to Tough Love

If you love someone with a substance use disorder, you may be concerned about their overindulgence. It’s also possible to overindulge in love. And sometimes, the best way to care for someone is by stepping back, and letting them make their own decisions. As much as you might want to help, you can’t go through recovery for them.

Establishing boundaries doesn’t have to mean cutting ties or refusing to help—although it can, if that’s what you need. However, you may be able to rebalance your relationship, providing support from a healthy distance that respects your needs as well as theirs.

To learn more about the recovery process, you can connect with a rehab center to find a good match for your loved one’s recovery journey.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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The Healing Power of Nature in British Columbia’s Rehabs

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia (BC), is famous for its numerous outdoor opportunities in beautiful areas with mountains, lakes, beaches, and forests. Many treatment centers in BC take advantage of the region’s abundant and accessible nature by offering adventure outings such as river rafting, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and more.

The peaceful settings of British Columbia offer space for reflection and growth. Many centers have walking trails and gardens on their grounds to facilitate mindfulness and healing. Several rehab facilities also offer gender-specific treatment, as well as programs tailored for other specific groups, such as Indigenous men or those who value spiritual wellness.

Nature can help you heal and recharge, and BC is a great choice for recovery if close access to the outdoors is important to you.

British Columbia’s Stunning Scenery

British Columbia’s natural geography of mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches offers plentiful recreation opportunities. In fact, 75% of BC is covered by mountains, and the region boasts more protected areas than any other Canadian province. You’ll find beautiful coastal areas on the western side of the province, and breathtaking mountains on the eastern side.

When planning your stay at a residential treatment center, it’s important to remember that BC has all 4 seasons. If you’re attending a facility here in winter or spring, you’ll get to enjoy crisp weather and access to snow sports. Coastal areas get lots of rain, while the interior mountainous regions see more snow. Summer and fall in BC mean warmer weather and outdoor activities like swimming and hiking.

Being surrounded by nature may allow for a more relaxing, meditative experience. And in fact, this type of mindfulness can have a direct impact on your emotions.1 One study found that participants who walked outdoors for 20 minutes reported feeling more positive than those who walked indoors for the same amount of time.

top of the world ranch slide 1
EHN Edgewood Rockies in Fort Steele, British Columbia sits on 600 acres of ground surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

This region offers many opportunities for outdoor activities with numerous hiking trails, mountain biking routes, rock climbing areas, and more. The parks in BC offer over 3,500 miles of trails 2 (~6,000 kilometers), many of which are located inside the province’s 1000+ provincial parks,3 recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas.

Treatment Centers Surrounded by Nature

Whether or not you venture outdoors, attending rehab in BC means being surrounded by stunning views. For example, EHN Edgewood Rockies was built on 600 acres in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You’ll find forests, valleys, and lakes throughout the property. According to their team’s treatment philosophy, this environment offers clients “a great opportunity for growth and introspection, building towards your best self in the relative solitude of pristine natural surroundings.”

The emotional impact of this natural setting was not lost on Sean, a client who attended the treatment facility for 90 days in 2019. “It helped having 600 acres to explore in the Rocky Mountains,” he says. “EHN Edgewood Rockies has saved my life, my marriage, and has given me a second chance.”

The Sunshine Coast Health Centre and the Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic both overlook a body of water called the Georgia Strait, in which clients can watch pods of whales and dolphins. You can also enjoy the snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, and miles of uninhabited wilderness that surround these 2 properties.

Sunshine%20Coast%20building
Located in Powell River, British Columbia, Sunshine Coast Health Centre is a men-only residential center with picturesque views.

Adventure Outings

Clients at rehabs in this area can embark on adventure outings in all seasons. In the winter, clients at Sunshine Coast Health Centre, Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, and Valiant Recovery can go skiing and snowboarding. These activities give residents a break from time spent indoors during recovery.

In the warmer months, Nōmina Wellness takes residents white water rafting and on safaris, while clients at EHN Edgewood Rockies can visit hot springs. Valiant Recovery provides access to a ropes course and zip-lining.

In addition to these off-site adventures, all of these programs allow residents to utilize the hiking and biking trails either on or near their properties. For some clients, this is an essential part of recovery. By engaging with nature, you may be able to heal in a more holistic and fully realized way.

valiant recovery slide 6
Located in scenic Kelowna on a comfortable homey property, Valiant Recovery offers immersive hiking experiences at nearby trails.

Treatment in BC Is Tailored to You

Some rehab centers cater to specific demographics. You may prefer to attend a program designed to treat people who share commonalities with you, especially things you deeply value.

Spiritual & Holistic Healing Treatment Centers

Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society understands that the 200,000 indigenous people residing in BC4 may prefer to attend treatment programs that are designed with their cultures in mind. Their “All My Relations” program serves this demographic, supporting indigenous men as they heal from substance use disorders.

The staff at this rehab center recognizes that this demographic faces a unique set of challenges, and may have experienced both personal and collective trauma. With that in mind, the program empowers indigenous men to reclaim their cultural identities. Clients take part in traditions such as daily smudging and sweat lodge ceremonies. The recovery center also partners with elders and members of several Indigenous nations to provide workshops, ensuring that clients have access to the best possible care.

Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center focuses on spirituality, and is endorsed by Deepak Chopra, a well-known advocate for alternative medicine. The treatment facility combines Eastern practices with Western medicine to create a program that allows for spiritual growth. “We are very different in that we recognize that addiction is also a search for spiritual well-being,” says Chopra.

Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center is located on 10 acres of land along the banks of the Cheakamus River in Squamish, BC for a peaceful experience set deep in nature. In addition to individual and group therapy, clients can also participate in mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, guided hikes, Ayurvedic massage, and art therapy. If you’d like to focus on spiritual healing during treatment, this program might meet your needs.

Gender-Specific Treatment

If you feel more at ease with members of your own gender, you may consider attending a program that offers gender-specific treatment.

Georgia strait womens clinic
Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic is a women-only center in a boutique-style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Powell River, British Columbia.

Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Inspire Change Wellness Center are both men’s only treatment centers, while Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic and Westminster House only cater to women. Westwind Counselling’s residential care is women-only, but they serve all genders in a separate online program.

Men and women may experience different societal pressure and stressors. You may prefer to be among those of your own gender if you are currently healing from trauma or seeking treatment for an issue that members of your gender are more likely to experience.

If you don’t identify with a gender binary, this may not be an important factor in your search. Additionally, you may wish to find an identity-affirming rehab with programming expressly designed to make you feel safe, seen and accepted.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Westwind Counselling is Canada’s first private eating disorder recovery facility. This program helps clients heal from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and orthorexia. They offer online treatment options for all genders as well as in-person care for women, and don’t require clients to first obtain a formal diagnosis. Westwind teaches clients about mindful eating, body acceptance, and emotional well-being. Research shows that these are all core components of treatment for eating disorders.5 This program helps clients feel more at home in their own bodies, empowering them to make healthier choices in the long term.

Vancouver’s Natural Diversity

Several centers are located either in or close to Vancouver. Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society is in the city itself, and numerous other treatment centers are within an hour’s drive. These programs have the best of both worlds: access to the great outdoors, and proximity to a thriving urban hub.

Diversity and Inclusion Is a Priority

Vancouver has a very diverse population,6 and has been ranked as the most livable city in Canada7 and the 16th worldwide, according to a 2021 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The study looked at stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure of every major city in the world.

Perhaps because of its diversity, the city’s government is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all of its citizens. City staff meet with local community groups and agencies to better understand and meet the needs of residents. Officials emphasize programs for childcare, Indigenous peoples, youth, disadvantaged seniors, multicultural and diverse communities, and more. These priorities are reflected in their Healthy City Strategy,8 a plan with 13 different goals all aimed at making living in Vancouver better for everyone.

Vancouver has the 3rd largest urban Indigenous population of any Canadian city.9 Their Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee works with the city to ensure that Indigenous peoples have equal access to and are included in any new plans and procedures. Vancouver’s city council also determined that the unceded land in Vancouver still belongs to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations10 in a unanimous vote in 2014.

Vancouver is home to the biggest LGBTQ+ community11 and hosts the largest Pride parade in Western Canada. The event takes place every year during Pride Week and is put on by the Vancouver Pride Society, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to strengthening their community by ensuring that Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ population feels represented and included.

Explore the Outdoors in Vancouver Treatment Centers

There are many places to recreate in Vancouver. Residents and tourists alike enjoy access to many outdoor areas, including Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mountain, Deep Cove, and more. Stanley Park, located in downtown Vancouver, includes miles of trails, stunning beaches, cultural and historical landmarks in an area of 1000+ acres. Vancouver locals highly value access to nature.

Rehab centers in the area share that value. You may or may not be able to explore the city on your own during your stay, depending on your health status and your program’s approach to treatment. However, most Vancouver rehabs include plenty of outdoor space; some even have private beaches. Even if you remain on-site at a rehab for the duration of treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy this beautiful landscape.

A Temperate Climate

Vancouver rarely sees snow, and the winters are some of the most mild in Canada. If you decide to seek treatment in BC during the winter season but prefer more temperate weather, Vancouver may be a good option for you.

Planning Travel to British Columbia

British Columbia is easily accessible by car or plane. Because there are 5 main airports in the region, you can easily choose one close to your treatment center. Most facilities offer transportation directly to and from the airport. Make sure that you check with your admissions team before booking any travel, to find out which options are available.

A Peaceful Path Toward Recovery

Traveling to British Columbia can offer a new and peaceful space to start your recovery process. The variable landscape and climate allow you to choose which kind of environment you’d like to be in during treatment, whether that’s in a busy city like Vancouver, or a more peaceful, rural area. And in either setting, you can expect to spend plenty of time outdoors.

Visit our list of treatment centers in beautiful British Columbia to see photos, read reviews, and more.

FAQ

How much does treatment cost in BC?

The cost of addiction treatment in BC varies by factors such as treatment type, length, and location. Some rehabs offer financial aid or insurance.

What are addiction treatment programs like in BC?

Rehabs in BC often offer experiential therapies that make the most of their naturally beautiful surroundings. Private rehabs provide tailored treatment, which may include holistic therapies.

Can I find women’s or LBGTQ+-affirming treatment in BC, Canada?

Yes. Some rehabs in BC offer specialized programs for certain client groups, including women and LBGTQ+ individuals.

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Motivational Interviewing: A Counseling Style That Can Keep You Committed to Recovery

If you’re healing from a substance use disorder, you already know that it isn’t a linear process. The recovery journey is full of ups and downs. And it’s normal to have mixed feelings when you’re trying to break any habit, especially one as powerful as addiction.

Although these feelings are normal, being uncertain can get in the way of healing. If you’re not sure whether you want to recover, it can be hard to commit to treatment. For patients in this position, motivational interviewing (MI) may be a helpful way to approach rehab. This counseling style is specifically designed to help patients resolve internal conflict.

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing, or MI, is a framework for having conversations about change1. It’s based on the idea that motivation needs to come from within the person changing. It can’t be pushed or forced by someone on the outside. At its core, MI highlights each person’s own reasons for wanting to make a change—and in the case of substance use, their reasons for wanting to quit using.

Although MI was originally created as an intervention for people with alcohol addiction, it’s successfully used to help patients make all sorts of positive behavior changes, from eating well to taking their medications as prescribed.

The Uses of Motivational Interviewing for Substance Use Disorder

Dr. Bill Miller first started defining motivational interviewing in the 1970s, and its first description was published in 1983. Research has proven it to be an effective intervention for people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Here are some of the ways it can help:

The Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Unlike many other modalities, MI is not a psychotherapy method. Because of this, it has some unique benefits and limitations. Anyone can use a motivational interviewing style, including medical practitioners, therapists, recovery coaches, and addiction counselors. It’s simply a framework for having conversations about change.

This framework can help you stay engaged with recovery. Research has found that people who receive an MI intervention before attending a treatment program are more likely to complete it. The basic principles of MI set it apart from more traditional addiction counseling frameworks.

Ambivalence

Ambivalence is the internal tug-of-war that many people experience when facing a major transition, such as recovering from addiction. One part of you wants to stop using, and another part of you doesn’t want to change. While some treatment providers may see ambivalence as a sign that you’re not ready for recovery, MI treats this conflict as a normal part of healing. This model is designed to help people resolve ambivalence instead of fighting against it.

Unlike some other therapeutic frameworks, MI never labels patients as “resistant.” Instead, your provider will respect your point of view, trusting that you know what’s best for yourself.

Partnership and Autonomy

When talking to a treatment provider who uses an MI approach, think of them as your partner in the journey of recovery. Their job is to respect that you’re the expert on your own life, and that you already have a lot of wisdom about what does and doesn’t work for you. They know you have irrevocable autonomy. You’re the only person in control of your actions.

Within an MI framework, your provider will never give you unsolicited advice. Instead, they may ask your permission before suggesting an idea, or wait for you to ask their opinion. This empowers patients to collaborate with their providers, giving you room to decide what’s best for your own healing process.

Change Talk

Most patients experience ambivalence during recovery. But having a provider push you to overcome that ambivalence can just intensify it. In MI, practitioners help patients uncover their personal reasons for wanting to make a change. These reasons are called change talk.

To elicit change talk, MI providers ask targeted questions that encourage you to consider what life would be like without substances. For example, they might ask you to reflect on how substance use has caused problems in your life, or interfered with your goals.

You may also reflect on why recovery is important to you. MI practitioners understand that your reasons for wanting to recover from addiction may be different from those of your partner, family, or friends. And ultimately, your reasons are the ones that matter.

Developing Discrepancy

MI providers may also help you resolve ambivalence through a practice called developing discrepancy. During this process, you’ll start to define your values.

Every person has core values that they live by, or would like to live by. Often, addiction keeps us from living a life that’s aligned with those values. MI practitioners invite you to consider how your behavior reflects your unique values. This is intended to increase your motivation and commitment to recovery.

For example, imagine that a patient considers family as a core value. But they lie to their family about their addiction. This not only hurts the people around them; it also undermines their commitment to their own values. It’s all too easy to harm yourself and your loved ones by disregarding your own values, even if you’re doing so unintentionally.

During an MI intervention, your provider will help you see any discrepancies between your values and the way substance use makes you behave. This is done in a non-judgmental way. The goal isn’t to make you feel guilty, but to help you commit to living a life that aligns with your own values.

Affirmations

MI is a strengths-based approach. This means that MI providers don’t see you as an “addict.” Instead, they see you as a whole person who already has strengths and resources to help you recover from addiction. They’ll always put your strengths at the forefront of the recovery process.

As you go through MI, your provider will also make sure that you are aware of your own strengths. They do this through the use of affirmations. It’s important that you know what your strengths and resources are, so you know what you can rely on for support during recovery.

The Stages of MI

Like most treatment models, MI doesn’t proceed in a strictly linear fashion. But there are some key stages of MI that you’ll often experience when you’re receiving an MI intervention:

Engagement

The provider will first work to develop a trusting relationship with you. If you feel attacked or judged by your provider, then no intervention (including MI) is likely to work. MI practitioners will build engagement with you by using a collaborative approach, which includes reflective listening techniques.

Focusing

MI is designed to help patients make a change. To do that, you and your provider need to agree about what change you actually want to make. Focusing is a collaborative process in which you will decide on a goal together. You might have other goals that you want to work on, in addition to overcoming addiction, and these goals will always be honored.

Evoking

Evoking is at the heart of motivational interviewing. In this process, your MI provider will draw out change talk, or your reasons for wanting to quit using a substance. Evoking involves asking you questions and reflecting your answers back to you in a meaningful way. However, your provider won’t give you unsolicited advice or try to pressure you into a particular course of action.

Planning

Planning is the only stage of MI that’s optional, meaning you may or may not ever get here. In this stage, you collaborate with your provider to create a plan for how to maintain your commitment in the future. While some patients find this helpful, others prefer to create a plan without the provider’s help.

It’s important to note that there is a manualized version of MI, called Motivation Enhancement Therapy (MET). This is a more rigid version of MI, in which patients go through these stages in a more linear and orderly fashion.

Benefits of Motivational Interviewing

Like any treatment model, MI has both benefits and limitations. It’s not a miracle cure, and it’s not intended to be. But it can be a good fit for people who feel ambivalent about recovery. This framework has several noteworthy benefits:

  • It saves time. MI is a time-limited, cost-effective intervention. Practitioners don’t typically need a lot of time to help people make changes. In fact, just one MI intervention before treatment has been found to improve engagement8.
  • It works. Hundreds of studies have been published about the use of MI to treat substance use disorders. One literature review found that motivational interviewing is more effective than traditional advice-giving8 approximately 80% of the time.
  • It can help you commit. Unlike most other treatments, MI helps patients resolve their indecisiveness about substance misuse. This may be especially helpful for patients who want to make a change, but are unsure of how to commit to that process.
  • It increases your self-efficacy. MI helps you build the confidence you need to stay committed to recovery, rather than depending on outside sources.
  • It respects your agency. MI is a good treatment option for people who don’t like being told what to do. MI practitioners respect your autonomy. They understand that pushing patients too hard isn’t likely to work, and it may even intensify your resistance to change.
  • It helps you get in touch with your reason for recovering. Often, people in recovery never take the time to pinpoint their personal “why” of substance use recovery. They may have a vague notion that they “should” quit using drugs and alcohol, but sometimes, that isn’t enough to see them through. MI can help you to discover and remember your reasons for doing so.

Limitations of Motivational Interviewing

Like any intervention, MI also has some limitations. This model may not be a good fit for every person, and isn’t meant to be used as a treatment for every issue.

Committing to Change with Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing can be extremely helpful for some patients, but it’s just one aspect of recovery. Because this framework can be integrated with other treatment models, it may be a good fit for people with a wide variety of mental health concerns.

Remember that no intervention, including MI, is a quick fix for healing from addiction. While this approach may help you resolve ambivalence, it won’t resolve all the underlying reasons you began misusing substances. If you’re interested in pursuing MI, talk to your team of providers about whether it would fit with the other treatments you’re engaged in.

If this approach interests you, visit our directory of rehabs offering MI to browse centers near you and see photos, pricing, reviews, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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More People Are Considering Rehab in Portugal: Here’s Why

Residential rehab lets you step away from your daily environment and fully focus on recovery. While everyone’s healing journey is unique, many people find that a change in their surroundings facilitates healing in impactful ways. For some, traveling abroad for rehab can be profound.

Traveling can change your mindset: immersion in a new culture may promote positive thinking and foster a sense of connection to others. Often, luxury rehab centers abroad are located in tranquil environments designed to relieve tension and cultivate calm. And certain destinations offer special therapeutic activities that you might not find back home.

Steeped in rich history and famous for its fresh seafood, a relaxed approach to life, and pastel-colored buildings ornate with bright Azulejos tiles, Portugal is quickly becoming a sought-after rehab destination.

It’s not just the landscape and culture that draws people to addiction treatment in the country. Here, you can find unique therapeutic approaches, including ibogaine treatment. Influenced by their warm culture, many centers have a home-like atmosphere supported by inviting staff. This level of comfort is especially important if you’re tentative about going abroad for treatment.

We explore some top reasons why addiction treatment in Portugal is gaining traction.

1. A Temperate Climate and Tranquil Landscapes

Temperate Climate

Portugal has mild weather, which can be a welcome change for people living in colder or hotter climates. Winter temperatures stay at around 16 °C (or 61 °F). Come summer, the region enjoys warmth and sun without the sweltering heat. Some cities, like Lisbon and Porto, have 11 hours of sun during the summer months.

Temperate climates can be good for your mental health.1 Research on temperature and self-reported mental health conducted in the U.S. revealed that humans are most comfortable in 16 to 21° C (or 60 to 70 °F), and the probability of self-reported mental health struggles increases in both colder and warmer temperatures.

Beautiful, Therapeutic Landscapes

Voted the top country to visit2 by Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021, Portugal’s natural landscape is nothing short of stunning. Stretches of mesmerizing coastline border the country’s west. Inland, you’ll find striking mountains in the north, peaceful rolling hills to the south, and charming cobblestone towns that dot the areas in between.

According to a study published in the American Medical Association’s JAMA Network Open Journal, this abundance of nature can aid addiction recovery3 in several ways:

  • it restores cognitive capacity;
  • it boosts recovery from psychosocial stress;
  • and it can enhance optimism.

As society grows more distanced from nature,4 we’re increasingly disconnected from its therapeutic benefits. Rehab can provide an opportunity to restore this important link. A Health Place journal study found that exposure to natural environments may even reduce cravings.5

Many private rehabs in Portugal emphasize connection to nature by making the most of the country’s tranquil greenscapes. In the historic town of Quinta das Lapas, Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre sits on a 10-acre property surrounded by countryside. Residents live in a Portuguese-style home with lush baroque gardens nearby. The center takes a multidisciplinary approach to addiction recovery and highlights the importance of outdoor activities and their green surroundings.

2. Rich History and Warm Culture

Portugal is culturally vibrant, brimming with rich history. From Arabic-influenced Moorish castles to gothic-style monuments, each of its cobbled-street cities is picturesque in its own right.

Many rehabs in Portugal make use of their proximity to culturally significant locations. Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre offers guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the breathtaking baroque and neoclassical palaces found in Quinta das Lapas.

Quinta das lapas
Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre is located in the historic, charming town of Quinta das Lapas.

If exploring new sites sounds inspiring, the good news is that it can also be good for you. Travel delivers mental health benefits7 which can support your recovery process. Psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Todd B. Kashdan explains how travel can strengthen skills like emotional regulation: “exposure to foreign travel [is] linked to a greater ability to direct attention and energy, which helps us function effectively in diverse situations and display appropriate verbal and nonverbal signals of emotion… you become tolerant and even accepting of your own discomfort and more confident in your ability to navigate ambiguous situations.”

Attending rehab in another country can also foster deeper human connection6 and feelings of wholeness. It opens you up to new ways of communication. Portuguese culture is known as easygoing and friendly. This translates to what you’ll find at rehabs there, and many centers emphasize their cozy, home-like atmosphere.

Heritage Counseling Clinic
Heritage Counseling Clinic in Sintra, Lisbon emphasizes their strong client-staff relations.

Heritage Counseling Clinic, in the historic town of Sintra, has made the client-staff connection an integral part of their treatment program. “Everything was designed so that the relation between patients and staff can flow naturally, ensuring that [you] can experience rapid integration.”

Tabula Rasa Retreat, which offers ibogaine treatment in Portugal’s Alentejo region, highlights their family-style environment and supportive team as a core component of their holistic approach.

3. A Menu of Treatment Options

Several rehabs in Portugal have holistic addiction treatment programs. These programs include a balance of psychotherapy, holistic therapies, experiential therapies, and more. We explore common therapies offered at centers in Portugal, plus treatment that isn’t yet available in the U.S.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most common forms of evidence-based psychotherapy. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, behavior, and physiology are interconnected. By changing our thought patterns, we have the power to change our emotions and behavior. Several empirical studies point to the efficacy of CBT,8 with some psychologists calling it the “gold standard of the psychotherapy field,” as published in the Front Psychology journal. Many rehabs offer CBT to help treat addiction and mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

Group Therapy
Group therapy is led by 1 therapist – or a co-leader for bigger groups – and usually involves 5 or more participants, depending on the rehab’s intake numbers. This type of therapy allows for dynamic conversations and moments of reflection. The support network it offers often empowers people through their healing process. Simply knowing others are going through similar struggles can help you feel understood, activating parts of the brain associated with reward and social connection. These feelings could be amplified during group therapy abroad, when you see that people from different cultures share your struggle.

Family Therapy
Family is foundational to Portugal’s social structure. Several rehabs in the country offer family therapy. With the rise of telehealth for addiction treatment, it’s now more common for rehabs abroad to provide virtual sessions so family back home can participate. For some people, family inclusion is an important part of recovery. Family therapy can give you a better understanding of your unique family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Substance abuse often impacts an entire family system – this form of psychotherapy is intended to help everyone involved heal. This can result in stronger family resilience and ties. The interpersonal skills you learn in family therapy can also be applied to other relationships in your life.

Holistic Therapies

Physical Activity
The significance of physical exercise for addiction treatment9 has been well documented: collective studies show that exercise can “reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.” You’ll often see some form of exercise included in most private rehab programs. With Portugal’s temperate weather and sunny summers, many rehab facilities offer outdoor physical activities when possible. Heritage Counseling Clinic’s program includes outdoor yoga and chi-kung. Meanwhile, Casa da Oliveira holds water activities in their outdoor pool during summer.

Art therapy
It’s not always easy to put your feelings into words. This is where art therapy can help. Art therapy offers several documented benefits for addiction recovery:10

  • Decreased denial
  • Lessened shame
  • A communication outlet
  • Less opposition to addiction treatment

When psychotherapy and art therapy are combined,10 they can work to promote each other’s goals.

Ibogaine Treatment

Ibogaine-assisted therapy is a type of alternative treatment usually delivered in a short-term residential facility. It involves administering ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid extracted from the iboga shrub native to West Africa. In small doses, it acts as a mild stimulant. In larger doses, ibogaine induces a dream-like state. This experience, when overseen by treatment professionals, serves as a potentially effective therapy for substance use disorder or other mental health diagnoses, like depression.

Research on ibogaine-assisted therapy for addiction treatment has been promising. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) observed the long-term effectiveness of ibogaine11 and found that “a single ibogaine treatment reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms and achieved opioid cessation or reduced use across the one year study.”

Ibogaine has also been shown to reduce drug cravings12 for people suffering from opioid and cocaine addiction.

While ibogaine-assisted therapy isn’t yet available in the U.S., you can travel abroad for treatment. Countries like Mexico and Portugal have addiction treatment centers with ibogaine therapy. Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region of Portugal offers this therapy as part of their holistic approach to treatment. There, ibogaine therapy is administered in a monitored, safe environment by experienced medical professionals and is supported with complementary therapies like breathwork, massage, meditation, and more.

tabula rasa retreat slide 2
Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal’s Alentejo area offers ibogaine treatment in a charming, safe home-like environment.

4. An Abundance of Activities

Portugal’s temperate weather allows for outdoor experiential therapies and activities year-round, like equine therapy, rappelling, and sightseeing. Experiential activities teach you new skills and can show you it’s possible to find joy in other interests. You may even discover lasting hobbies in the process.

Equine therapy
Equine-assisted therapy involves therapeutic work with horses, led by a professional guide or therapist, to help treat addiction and mental health disorders. It’s offered at several treatment centers in Portugal including Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region, Heritage Counseling Clinic in Sintra, and Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre in Monte Redondo.

Rappelling
Portugal’s unique landscape is dotted with mesmerizing, tall cliffs, lending itself well to activities like rappelling. Rappelling is a form of therapeutic climbing (TC) where you descend the face of a rock in a harness with a fastened rope to help guide you down. Some mental health benefits of therapeutic climbing13 (TC) include reduced symptoms of depression and improved psychological well-being. At Heritage Counseling Clinic, rappelling is combined with a unique cultural experience: the rappel site offers views of some of Portugal’s most well-known heritage castles.

Sightseeing
Standing among century-old structures and heritage sites is linked with mental wellness,14 including improved mood and a deeper sense of citizenship among groups of people that share commonalities. The good news is, there’s no shortage of sightseeing in history-rich Portugal. At some rehabs, like Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre, you’re taken on guided tours of UNESCO Heritage palaces. For many people, addiction is isolating. These kinds of cultural experiences may foster a deeper sense of connection with the world, and other people, around you.

Sintra Portugal
Portugal is home to stunning heritage sites, like the famous Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra.

5. Accessible and Easy to Get Around

Portugal has 3 international airports in Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, and 4 smaller airports for domestic travel. A majority of U.S. airports have flights to Lisbon, with direct flights from some of the U.S.’s biggest international airports. Almost every major European city offers direct flights to Lisbon too.

Many rehabs offer airport pick-up services once you’ve landed in Portugal. While getting around the country is easy, with a well-functioning metro system and rideshare apps like Uber, it may be too overwhelming to navigate travel in the midst of early recovery. It’s recommended to speak with your rehab’s admissions team and arrange to have someone guide you to the center once you’ve landed.

Embark On Your Recovery Journey in Portugal

Attending rehab in a different country can help you gain a new perspective on life. This can be incredibly impactful to someone’s recovery journey. It shows you a different way of living, which may help you feel more connected to others and the world around you. With so much history and heritage, Portugal isn’t just an awe-inspiring place to find recovery: it can help inspire powerful connections and feelings of wholeness.

To learn more about addiction and mental health treatment in the country, browse our list of rehabs in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Portugal

How much does rehab in Portugal typically cost?

Rehab in Portugal typically costs under $10,000 up to $25,000 for a 30-day program without insurance. Cost can vary depending on factors like the duration of the program, level of personalized care, and amenities offered. It’s best to contact the individual rehab centers in Portugal for accurate pricing information tailored to your needs.

What amenities can I expect at a luxury rehab in Portugal?

Luxury rehabs in Portugal offer a range of amenities:

• Luxurious, private accommodations
• Gourmet dining
• Spa and wellness facilities
• Pool
• Recreational activities

What types of therapies are available at rehabs in Portugal?

Rehabs in Portugal provide a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. These may include individual counseling, group therapy, adventure outings, equine therapy, rappelling, historical site visits, and more.
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Houston Rehabs: Specialized Care by Top-Notch Professionals

Houston—or “H-Town” as it’s often called by locals—is known for its year-round warm and sunny weather, numerous outdoor activities, and multicultural population. Many treatment centers in Houston take advantage of the temperate climate, outdoor programs, plentiful walking paths, gardens, and more.

Houston offers exceptional treatment options for executives, youth and adolescents, and LGBTQ+ clients, and is in close proximity to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical complex in the world.1

By choosing a comfortable setting for recovery, you can relax and focus on your healing process. Houston could be the best place for you if you’re looking for easy access to nature, laid-back local culture, and a diverse area with some of the best medical professionals in the industry.

Houston’s Outdoor Opportunities

This vibrant city is full of outdoor areas for residents to enjoy. In fact, Houston was ranked number 1 in the United States for total green space2 compared to other cities of similar density. The area is often warm and sunny, although it’s considered “subtropical” and still gets about 50 inches of rain per year on average. Buffalo Bayou runs through the city, and the surrounding park offers a beautiful backdrop of lush greenery against its skyscrapers.

Spending time outdoors and in nature helps promote healing and relaxation. One study found that just 5-10 minutes of exercise outside each day improves both mood and self-esteem.3 Houston offers many opportunities for residents to experience nature, whether by kayaking through Buffalo Bayou, running on the oak-lined path along the Outer Loop at Rice University, or hiking through tropical forests at Big Thicket Park.

Houston’s Diversity

Houston is full of rich cultural diversity. It’s known as a multicultural city and hosts one of the largest Pride parades in the U.S.,4 with almost 700,000 in attendance in 2019. It’s the 4th largest city in the country, and Houston’s current demographics show the projected outlook for diversity5 in the rest of the nation in 40 years. Thanks to this diversity, health professionals in Houston are well-equipped to treat a wide variety of conditions, adapting their care to specific patients.

The Texas Medical Center

Texas medical center
The Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest medical city, spanning over 2 square miles.

The Texas Medical Center is a world-renowned medical district,6 taking up more than 2 square miles in south-central Houston. The center includes 21 hospitals, many of which are considered the best in the U.S., as well as 8 academic and research institutions. Together, these facilities make up the 50+ total medical organizations in the region. Houston’s close proximity to TMC means that health professionals in this area are often some of the best in their fields, and up to date on the latest research to better help you with your recovery.

Connect With Your Community in Houston Rehabs

Rehab is an opportunity to build community with people who share similar goals. If you enjoy spending time outside, desire a more multicultural setting, or are interested in the arts, a program in Houston might be a good fit. LGBTQ+ rehab clients will feel especially welcome here, as will people of multicultural backgrounds. By connecting with people who share some of your life experiences, you can give and receive mutual support during recovery.

Recovery for Adolescents and Young Adults

J. Flowers Health Institute and The Menninger Clinic both provide care for adolescents and young adults. Both institutes place a heavy focus on one-on-one counseling and offer family therapy. They work to create extremely personalized treatment plans for younger clients, within environments that have been designed to meet their unique needs. “That’s the piece that means the most to me, is really seeing people go home, and thrive in life,” says the center’s founder, Dr. James S. Flowers.

menninger clinic
The Menninger Clinic has been treating clients for over 95 years and offers programs specialized for certain demographics.

Gender-Specific and LGBTQ+ Treatment

Several treatment centers understand the importance of gender-specific recovery. Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, for example, has a women’s home, a men’s apartment, and an LGBTQ+ house. These affordable residences are meant to provide safe and secure living environments, and are accompanied by a 3-phase recovery program that helps to “promote personal growth and life skills, provide accountability, and support ongoing sobriety with outpatient services.” Sometimes, being surrounded by people with similar life experiences can help you feel more comfortable throughout the healing process.

Eudaimonia Recovery home living room
Eudaimonia Recovery Homes provides gender-specific recovery and housing.

Programs for Executives

The J. Flowers Health Institute specializes in treating professionals and aims to provide quality care in a shorter amount of time. “We have the brightest minds in the country here in Houston, Texas because of the Texas Medical Center,” says co-founder Robbin Mooney. “What normally takes weeks or months to get in front of some of the top specialists here, Dr. Flowers and the team can usually get our clients in 1-2 days.”

J.Flowers yoga
J. Flowers Health Institute sits on spacious, verdant grounds and offers access to top-notch professional care.

Traveling to Houston

Houston is easily reachable by plane. Its 2 airports are serviced from many destinations, both domestic and international. Driving is also an option, although flying is certainly easier. A staff member from your rehab center will typically pick you up upon arrival at the airport. Make sure you check with your admissions team before booking your travel plans, to find out which options are available.

Houston is a bustling metropolitan area, but many treatment centers are tucked away in quieter suburbs or across larger grounds for a more peaceful setting. The city is also easily accessible by car.

Amenities and Activities

Houston locals enjoy spending time outdoors and getting involved in the city’s arts and music scene. Some treatment centers even invite clients to focus on artistic pursuits during treatment. For example, both The Right Step and Briarwood Detox offer music and art therapies. These, along with other experiential therapies “allow you to focus on the mind-body connection, an important aspect of healing.”

At Briarwood Detox, you’ll participate in art activities—like group drawing projects or meditating to music—3 times each week. Residents can also enjoy live music performances twice a month. According to the experts at this center, “music not only works to combat feelings of anxiety and depression, but it may also help clients associate music with sobriety instead of substance abuse.”

While in Houston, you can take advantage of the warm sunshine and enjoy various outdoor activities. The city is located near the Gulf of Mexico, and residents can soak up the sun on beaches within a short driving distance of the city. Many treatment centers also have outdoor spaces where residents can walk, jog, relax, and participate in mindful activities like yoga and meditation. These activities aren’t just enjoyable; they’re also an important part of recovery. Data show that hospital gardens help reduce stress,7 which boosts the immune system and helps promote faster healing.

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Residents can soak up the sun out by the pool at Laguna Recovery.

In addition to these outdoor amenities, most Houston rehabs have air-conditioned rooms that keep residents comfortable in the heat. Some treatment centers, like Luna Recovery, hold adventure outings for residents. The Right Step also offers recreational therapy. During these weekly outings, you might play basketball at a park, see a movie at the theater, or visit a local museum.

Warmth and Welcome at Houston Recovery Centers

Spending time in a new space—and outside of your usual comfort zone—may offer you some much-needed clarity. If you decide that traveling for rehab is for you, it’s important to choose a location that suits your unique preferences.

Attending a treatment center in Houston would be a great choice if you love spending time outside in warmer climates and desire a more diverse and multicultural area. The easy access to top medical professionals at TMC will ensure that you have some of the best quality care possible. Rehabs in this area allow patients to stay connected with nature, art, and culture, while still taking the time they need to heal.

View our list of different treatment centers in sunny Houston.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Houston

What sets rehabs in Houston apart from others?

Houston rehabs stand out thanks to their medical care, quality service, upscale amenities, specialized programs, and Southern hospitality.

What therapies are offered at rehabs in Houston?

Rehabs in Houston offer a diverse range of evidence-based and complementary therapies. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic treatments, all aimed at promoting personal growth and sustainable recovery.

Do rehabs in Houston offer aftercare support?

Yes, Houston rehabs understand the importance of ongoing support after completing a treatment program. They typically provide aftercare services like alumni programs, counseling sessions, and support networks to help individuals maintain sustainable recovery.

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Addiction Treatment in Ontario: Lakeside Living and Quality Care

Where you attend addiction treatment can have a huge impact on your progress. Yes, rehab is about getting sober—but it’s also about learning how to improve your quality of life and sustain the changes you make long after you leave residential treatment. The setting you’re in, the relationships you have with your peers, and the professionals who deliver your care all play an important role in supporting you through your recovery process and equipping you for life beyond it.

If you’re traveling for treatment, the change of scenery that residential rehab offers can provide the space you need to focus on creating change. It can also give you a chance to experience joy and reconnect with yourself—without the need for drugs or alcohol.

If you’re considering addiction treatment in Ontario, you’re in the right place. We’ll take a look at what the region has to offer treatment seekers, including the physical environment, activities, and professional support. We’ll also provide a glimpse of a few rehabs’ facilities, programming, and specializations.

Getting Oriented

15 times larger than the state of Texas, to say Ontario is large would be an understatement. The expansive province is bordered by Hudson Bay to the north, the Great Lakes to the south, Quebec to the east, and Manitoba to the west. Its Golden Horseshoe region, which stretches along Lake Ontario, includes Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula. Eastern Ontario hosts the nation’s capital Ottawa and historic towns along the St. Lawrence River. Southwestern Ontario features bucolic countryside dotted with farms and small villages, not unlike the Midwestern U.S. The far reaches of the North are home to the Hudson Bay and the stretches of taiga forest that surround it.

Ontario’s massive size means the province encompasses a diverse range of natural features, and offers myriad activities that rehabs weave into their treatment experiences. Those who are invigorated by untouched forests and soothed by serene lakes will have plenty of chances to connect with nature here.

Vibrant Cities and Expanses of Wilderness

Ontario is home to 40% of Canada’s population, most of whom live in Toronto or Ottawa. It also boasts 250,000 lakes, including the Great Lakes, which it shares with the U.S. With the Hudson Bay to the north and the Great Lakes to the south, and great stretches of untouched wilderness in between, this province is home to a wealth of pristine waterways perfect for fishing, paddling, kayaking, and canoeing.

Canada’s urban center, Toronto, is also located here. Vibrant and multicultural, the city is known for its diverse neighborhoods and exemplary planning. Ontario is also the seat of the nation’s capital Ottawa, celebrated for its Victorian architecture and historic sites. For those who prefer urban convenience, both cities offer excellent restaurants, shopping, museums, and cultural institutions.

What to Expect From Ontario’s Weather

Ontario has 4, distinct seasons. Because it’s such an enormous province, weather can vary drastically depending on the season and location. Winters in the north of the province can be notoriously harsh, but most rehabs are located in the south near Toronto, where temperatures are comparatively mild. Buffered by Lake Ontario, Toronto ranks among the cities with the mildest winter climate in Canada.1 The lake’s insulation also helps the area stay cooler in the summer.

While summer and winter temperatures in Ontario can tend towards extremes, spring and fall are more temperate. In any season, a little planning can help you stay comfortable. Like anywhere with frequent fluctuations in weather, layering is key. Rehab admissions staff are usually happy to provide a packing list and answer any questions you may have about what to bring.

For more information, see our article on packing for rehab.

Seasonal weather changes aren’t just an inconvenience – they can also be a refreshing change for those who don’t get to experience them often. Some parts of the province receive snow up to 6 months of the year—a special treat for those who love white winter landscapes. Ontario is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy skiing in the winter and beaches in the summer.

Sights Worth Seeing

Like the rest of Canada, Ontario is home to outstanding provincial and national parks, which makes for some truly inspiring sightseeing:

  • Viewing Aboriginal rock carvings at Petroglyphs Provincial Park
  • Diving in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park
  • Visiting lighthouses lining the coast of Lake Huron
  • Hiking through the old-growth forests of Temagami
  • Driving along historic Nipissing Road, part of the Trans Canada Trail
  • Visiting small historic towns and farms in the countryside
Oro House Recovery sound healing
Oro House Recovery in Malibu, California.
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Breathtaking scenes from Fathom Five National Marine Park in southern Ontario.

Ontario offers outdoor activities for those who find inspiration in physical challenge, as well as peaceful natural beauty to calm the mind. Rehabs here typically offer the best of both worlds, with lakeside locations fit for relaxation and introspection, and adventure outings to satisfy clients’ needs for excitement and fun.

Therapeutic Outdoor Activities in the Land of a Thousand Lakes

Ontario has no shortage of activities for any season. In summer, Ontarians enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking on glassy lakes and hiking through boreal forests. Winter is ideal for world-class skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, and outdoor ice skating. And any time of year, visitors can see some of Canada’s best museums and galleries, like Dundurn Castle and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Immersion in nature and culture doesn’t just make rehab more pleasant (though comfort can also be an important part of your treatment experience). It can also be therapeutic. Research shows that cultivating awe is good for mental health.2 It helps us find humility, keep things in perspective, and take our problems less seriously by seeing ourselves as a small part of a much bigger picture. And connecting with nature – especially as grandiose as that of Ontario – is a great way to tap into that feeling.

A Culture Conducive to Healing

Home to lively, multicultural Toronto, Ontario is diverse and socially progressive. The province is known for its friendly people, love of the arts, and welcoming attitude towards immigrants which enriches its cultural tapestry. Canada in general also ranks high for its standard of living and general safety, and that sense of security can be hugely helpful for those in trauma recovery.

Ontario cities consistently rank among the best places to live and work3 in the world. This basis of well-being shows up in the way people here interact with each other – and care for those who come here for treatment.

Rehab Programs in Ontario

Centres for Health and Healing (Vaughan, Ontario)

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Centres for Health and Healing in Vaughan, Ontario.

Located on 110 acres of farmland just north of Toronto, Centres for Health and Healing offers a holistic, non-12-Step treatment approach and a variety of water activities. Delivered via personalized treatment plans, their wellness program places a strong focus on mindfulness—a philosophy they refer to as “Mindful Mental Health.” The center offers specialized treatments such as a sublocade medication-assisted therapy (MAT) program, as well as medical detox and a weekly family program.

Treatment takes place in a lakefront luxury home surrounded by sprawling lawns and woods, equipped with an indoor swimming pool and fireplaces. Guests can use recreational equipment on the lake and outdoor leisure areas.

Victoria Wellness (Gores Landing, Ontario)

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Victoria Wellness in Gores Landing, Ontario.

Situated on Rice Lake an hour east of Toronto, Victoria Wellness offers evidence-based, trauma-informed addiction and mental health treatment, including treatment for co-occurring disorders. This center also offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) via a partnership with ketamine treatment provider Ketamine One. Clients are guided through an individual treatment plan by their primary therapist, and complementary therapies include holistic practices like yoga and Reiki. The program also emphasizes recovery-focused nutrition.

“At Victoria Wellness, we offer meal plans that reflect your personal values and are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fats and probiotics, which are linked to improved mental health. Our offerings are organically and locally sourced whenever possible.”

The center’s culinary team can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Clients here enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake, as well as amenities like an outdoor pool and a labyrinth for meditative walks. Offsite activities include visiting animals on a working farm in the countryside, guided hikes, skiing, horseback riding, and golf.

Muskoka Recovery (King City, Ontario)

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Muskoka Recovery in King City, Ontario.

With a range of services from detox to residential care, Muskoka Recovery’s program is based on 6 core values of caring, excellence, respect, accessibility, innovation and integrity, and includes unlimited 1-on-1 counseling. The team pays special attention to helping clients plan for relapse prevention and reintegrate into their community.

“We believe community plays an important role in the recovery process. We can help clients with resume preparation, find housing and connect you with potential employers.”

Muskoka Recovery’s main center is located on over 100 acres of forested property outside Toronto. Clients can choose from locations in Muskoka, King City, Toronto, and Bracebridge.

Rehab Staff and Treatment Professionals

Canada has a highly educated population4 and a renowned healthcare system. Rehabs in Ontario are staffed by a variety of addiction and mental health treatment professionals:

Clinical Professionals

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers

Addiction Specialists

  • Addiction counselors
  • Recovery coaches
  • Dual diagnosis specialists
  • Interventionists

Complementary Therapists

  • Eco-therapists
  • Energy healers
  • Massage therapists
  • Yoga instructors

Support Staff

  • Chefs
  • Nutritionists
  • General support workers

Rehabs—especially those with on-site medical detox—may also staff medical professionals such as addiction-specialized doctors and nurses.

Learn more: Rehab Staff Qualifications

Finding Your Community in Rehab

Recovery is a personal journey, but it’s also largely reliant on the support of those who see you through your challenges and encourage your new lifestyle. The bonds you form with your peers in residential treatment can form an important part of your support network. You’ll get to share your struggles, learn from those of others, and feel less alone in your struggles. Rehab is also a safe space to practice new ways of relating to others, which you can then apply to heal your relationships in your life outside of rehab.

Ontario rehabs can be a great place to connect with others on their healing journey who value open-mindedness and love the great outdoors. And if your facility’s program includes online aftercare or has an alumni network, you’ll have even more opportunities to stay connected when you return home.

Arriving in Ontario

Many of Ontario’s rehabs are located near Toronto. While this makes it easy to get to treatment, the Toronto metro area still encompasses large swaths of wilderness, meaning you can enjoy access to the region’s lakes and forests without sacrificing the convenience of the city. Toronto’s international airport is a major hub, offering direct flights from around the country as well as connections to the U.S. and abroad. Rehab admissions team members are usually happy to help you arrange travel.

If you’re interested in looking further into treatment here, visit our collection of Ontario rehabs to see reviews, take virtual tours, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Ontario

What types of addiction treatment programs are available in Ontario?

Ontario offers a range of addiction treatment programs including residential rehab, outpatient programs, detoxification programs, and aftercare support. Some rehabs have specialized programs, such as medication-assisted therapy (MAT) and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) programs.

What should I expect during addiction treatment in Ontario?

During addiction treatment in Ontario, you can expect to start with a thorough assessment. This lays the foundation for your treatment plan, which often includes individual and group therapy sessions, complementary therapies, recovery activities like skiing, relapse prevention strategies, and ongoing support. The focus is on empowering individuals to achieve long-term sobriety.

What qualifications and credentials should I look for in an addiction treatment center in Ontario?

When choosing an addiction treatment center in Ontario, it’s advised to consider facilities that are licensed, accredited, and staffed with qualified professionals. Look for rehab staff credentials such as certified addiction counselors, licensed therapists, and addiction-specialized medical professionals. Treatment team information is often listed on a center’s website.

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Helpful Tools for Treating Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction can be challenging to manage. If you’ve just arrived at this diagnosis, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. For some people, finding a rehab program that specializes in cannabis use disorder is a next step that makes sense.

Marijuana is the most widely consumed recreational drug in the world. Fortunately, there are many rehab centers and resources available for you to choose from.

Prevalence of Marijuana Addiction

You may be wondering if you really need a treatment as serious as rehab for something that’s generally not thought of as a “hard” drug. Is marijuana addiction real and something to be concerned about?

The answer is that yes, marijuanna addiction is real, even if it may look different than other kinds of substance addiction. And many people benefit from inpatient rehab, as well as other kinds of treatments.

Nearly 18% of people aged 12 or older reported that they had used cannabis in the past year. About 5% of people in the U.S. (or about 14.2 million people) had cannabis use disorder symptoms ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). What is the scope of cannabis (Marijuana) use in the United States? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states)) in the past 12 months.

The main chemical in marijuana that produces most of its psychoactive (mind-altering) effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over the years, cannabis has become much more potent, ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) and this may complicate your attempts to stop or decrease how much you use.

Legalization of medical cannabis in the U.S. has made it easier to know how much THC you’re ingesting. Legalization has also played a role in shifting the consequences for using cannabis, and how easy it is to access it.

Because of these considerations, your marijuana use may have negative effects on your life even while you’re doing your best to manage it. The good news is that professionals have developed an understanding of what you’re experiencing and how to best support you.

Risk Factors for Marijuana Addiction

Certain demographics have a heightened vulnerability to marijuana misuse. ((Hasin, D. S., Kerridge, B. T., Saha, T. D., Huang, B., Pickering, R., Smith, S. M., Jung, J., Zhang, H., & Grant, B. F. (2016). Prevalence and correlates of dsm-5 cannabis use disorder, 2012-2013: Findings from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions–iii. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 588–599. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15070907)) For example, people who start using marijuana before the age of 18 ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than people who start at a later age.

More and more older adults are using marijuana and need support for cannabis use disorder, ((Choi, N. G., & DiNitto, D. M. (2019). Older marijuana users in substance abuse treatment: Treatment settings for marijuana-only versus polysubstance use admissions. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 105, 28-36.)) along with other substance use issues.

Additional risk factors for cannabis use disorder  include having a mental health diagnosis like anxiety or depression, as well as the following:

  • family history
  • peer pressure
  • loneliness or social isolation
  • lack of family involvement
  • drug availability

The Impact of Marijuana Addiction

Many people use marijuana without issue, but it’s important to notice whether it’s negatively affecting your life. There are short- and long-term consequences for using marijuana.

Immediate Effects

“Instead of relaxation and euphoria, some people experience anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic” ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). What are marijuana’s effects? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuana-effects)) when using marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

“These effects are more common when a person takes too much, the marijuana has an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is inexperienced. People who have taken large doses of marijuana may experience an acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity,” says NIDA.

Dependence

Marijuana dependence ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) happens when your brain adapts to large amounts of the drug by reducing production of, and sensitivity to, its own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.

People who use marijuana frequently often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, or physical discomfort. These effects peak within the first week after quitting and last up to 2 weeks.

Cannabis Use Disorder Symptoms

The diagnosis that used to be named cannabis addiction has been changed to cannabis use disorder. Symptoms of cannabis use disorder include the following:

  • using more marijuana than intended
  • trying but failing to quit using marijuana
  • spending a lot of time using marijuana
  • craving marijuana
  • using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school, or work
  • continuing to use marijuana despite social or relationship problems
  • giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana
  • using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car
  • continuing to use marijuana despite physical or psychological problems
  • needing to use more marijuana to get the same high
  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use

In withdrawal, you might experience irritability, nervousness, difficulties with sleep, restlessness, depressed mood, stomach pains, chills, and headaches. For some people, cannabis withdrawals cause unpleasant, vivid dreams and notice changes in their appetite. ((Hesse, M., & Thylstrup, B. (2013). Time-course of the DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal symptoms in poly-substance abusers. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1), 258. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-258))

Long-term Effects

Over time, there’s a possibility that you’ll experience problems with attention, memory, and learning related to marijuana misuse.

Beginning to acknowledge the impacts of substance use on the rest of your life can feel challenging. Remember that you deserve care and support in that process. And it’s heartening to remember that available treatments are specifically designed to support you in changing your marijuana use in the way that’s most helpful for you.

Marijuana Addiction, Other Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Health

Cannabis use disorder is associated with other diagnoses, ((Hasin, D. S., Kerridge, B. T., Saha, T. D., Huang, B., Pickering, R., Smith, S. M., Jung, J., Zhang, H., & Grant, B. F. (2016). Prevalence and correlates of dsm-5 cannabis use disorder, 2012-2013: Findings from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions–iii. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 588–599. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15070907)) including mood disorders like depression and anxiety, personality disorders, and other substance use disorders. This means that lots of people who seek help for substance use have co-occurring disorders.

Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?

People who used marijuana and already had an alcohol use disorder may be at greater risk of their alcohol use disorder getting worse. Marijuana use is also linked to other substance use disorders including nicotine addiction.

But most people who use marijuana don’t go on to use other, “harder” substances. ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana a gateway drug? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-gateway-drug)) In fact, cross-sensitization is not unique to marijuana. What this means is that substances like alcohol and nicotine also prime the brain to have a greater response to other drugs. This isn’t something that’s the case for marijuana specifically.

Marijuana and Risk of Psychosis

Cannabis-induced psychosis is a concern, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition to the experience, schizophrenia and other psychiatric diagnoses, or different types of vulnerabilities.

According to a group of researchers in the Department of Psychosis Studies at King’s College London, people who use marijuana and carry a specific variant of the AKT1 gene are at increased risk of developing psychosis. People with the AKT1 gene who used marijuana daily were 7 times more likely to develop psychosis than people who used marijuana infrequently or not at all.

Another study found elevated levels of psychosis among adults who had used marijuana in adolescence and also carried a specific variant of the gene for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

If you’re struggling with your relationship with marijuana and also experiencing mental health challenges or problems with another substance, there are a number of rehab programs and treatment approaches that are tailored to your unique needs.

Treatments for Marijuana Addiction

Why reduce or stop using cannabis? In one study, participants reported that they had 3 main reasons for decreasing or stopping their marijuana use: ((Stea, J. N., Yakovenko, I., & Hodgins, D. C. (2015). Recovery from cannabis use disorders: Abstinence versus moderation and treatment-assisted recovery versus natural recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(3), 522.))

  1. Self-incompatibility: Using marijuana wasn’t in line with their values and life goals.
  2. Social incompatibility: Friends and family held values that weren’t consistent with marijuana use.
  3. Mental health concerns: Using marijuana caused or worsened their depression or anxiety.

Maybe these reasons resonate with you too, or maybe you have different reasons for wanting to make a change. Science supports the efficacy of certain treatments for this condition.

Something to keep in mind: in one study that focused on outcomes of marijuana use treatment, interventions for cannabis use disorder ((Gates, P. J., Sabioni, P., Copeland, J., Foll, B. L., & Gowing, L. (2016). Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005336.pub4)) had the best short-term effectiveness when they lasted more than 4 sessions and over a month’s time, as compared to more brief, lower‐intensity interventions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for cannabis use disorder ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) “targets the (perceived) functional role that cannabis use plays in a patient’s life and seeks to alter the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms precipitating use. Patients are taught skills to aid cannabis reduction/cessation and maintain this change. This could involve, for example, teaching patients to identify situations likely to trigger motivation to cannabis use and how to avoid them, or how to address the thoughts and emotions underlying the motivation to use.

“Other components of CBT include building drug refusal skills and problem-solving skills, and making healthy lifestyle modifications. The main goals of CBT are to increase patient self-efficacy to resist cannabis use and expand their repertoire of coping skills.”

An individualized approach to treatment planning may increase effectiveness of CBT for marijuana use treatment. ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) It involves using your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify what situations put you at the highest chance for relapse.

To learn more about this approach, see our list of rehabs that offer individualized treatment for marijuana addiction.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy for cannabis use disorder ((Gates, P. J., Sabioni, P., Copeland, J., Foll, B. L., & Gowing, L. (2016). Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005336.pub4)) is set up to mobilize your internal resources to help you make change and engage fully in treatment. This approach gives you a space to explore feelings of resistance that may be coming up, and strengthen your sense of self-efficacy.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

In rational emotive behavior therapy, ((Ellis, A., & MacLaren, C. (2008). Rational emotive behavior therapy. The quick theory reference guide: A resource for expert and novice mental health professionals, 127-139.)) the therapist works through a set of target problems with you and helps you decide on your goals for the course of treatment. You work together to discover emotions, behaviors, and beliefs related to those problems based on your values and goals. The goal is for you to apply what you learn in session to real-life situations.

Contingency Management

Contingency management ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) is an approach that allows you to track how often you use marijuana and compare that to a goal. Based on whether or not you use marijuana each day or week, you either earn rewards, or they are removed. During future days, you have more chances to keep earning rewards.

Parent involvement in contingency management ((Contingency management + parent participation = further benefits to adolescents? (n.d.). Recovery Research Institute. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/contingency-management-parent-participation-further-benefits-to-adolescents/)) procedures can also be helpful for teens who are trying to reduce or stop their marijuana use.

Community-Based Strategies

Your substance use, and positive changes you make, happen within your environment. A community-based strategy approach uses support strategies such as celebratory events, involving people in decision-making, and building available resources.

Medication Interventions

Currently, the FDA hasn’t approved any medications to treat cannabis use disorder, but research is active in this area.

Some medication-based treatments for marijuana addiction ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Available treatments for marijuana use disorders. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/available-treatments-marijuana-use-disorders)) target sleep issues, a big part of marijuana withdrawal. “Medications that have shown promise in early studies or small clinical trials include the sleep aid zolpidem (Ambien®), an anti-anxiety/anti-stress medication called buspirone (BuSpar®), and an anti-epileptic medication called gabapentin (Horizant®, Neurontin®) that may improve sleep and, possibly, executive function.”

In addition, THC, antidepressants, buspirone, N-acetylcystine, and mood stabilizers have been studied, and may be helpful in some cases. However, they may not be significantly more effective than a placebo. ((Nielsen, S., Gowing, L., Sabioni, P., & Le Foll, B. (2019). Pharmacotherapies for cannabis dependence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).))

Finding a treatment that works well for you is possible. By making changes at the psychological, physical, or community level, you open up the possibility for new patterns of behavior.

Long-Term Recovery from Marijuana Addiction

What to Expect in Recovery

There are positive changes that start to happen after you reduce or stop using marijuna. For example, young people between the ages of 16 and 26 showed increased performance on sustained attention tasks after stopping their cannabis use ((Wallace, A. L., Wade, N. E., & Lisdahl, K. M. (2020). Impact of two-weeks of monitored abstinence on cognition in adolescent and young adult cannabis users. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 26(8), 776–784. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617720000260)) for 2 weeks.

Participants in another study showed improvements in memory after 1 month of not using marijuana. ((Schuster, R. M., Gilman, J., Schoenfeld, D., Evenden, J., Hareli, M., Ulysse, C., Nip, E., Hanly, A., Zhang, H., & Evins, A. E. (2018). One month of cannabis abstinence in adolescents and young adults is associated with improved memory. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(6), 17m11977. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.17m11977)) Treatment of cannabis use disorder also improves depressive symptoms ((Arias, A. J., Hammond, C. J., Burleson, J. A., Kaminer, Y., Feinn, R., Curry, J. F., & Dennis, M. L. (2020). Temporal dynamics of the relationship between change in depressive symptoms and cannabis use in adolescents receiving psychosocial treatment for cannabis use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 117, 108087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108087)) in adolescents.

Setting Yourself up for Success

Once you’re better able to manage your cannabis use, it’s important to arrange your environment to make yourself as successful as possible.

In one study, participants shared 3 main helpful strategies for maintaining their change of stopping or decreasing their marijuana use: ((Stea, J. N., Yakovenko, I., & Hodgins, D. C. (2015). Recovery from cannabis use disorders: Abstinence versus moderation and treatment-assisted recovery versus natural recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(3), 522.))

  1. Cognitive strategies: They weighed the benefits and costs of use, identifying reasons that cannabis use might be incompatible with their goals and values, and also identifying the mental health consequences of use.
  2. Social shifts: They spent less time with marijuana users and more time with non users.
  3. Stimulus control/avoidance: They spent less time at places and in situations that used to be associated with cannabis use, and more time on new hobbies and in places where wellness is emphasized, like the gym.

Making a Positive Change

Navigating substance misuse can be difficult. Your journey up to now is unique and the support you receive should make sense for you.

Many rehab programs offer specialized programs to help you change your relationship with marijuana and build new habits. Taking the next step is possible, and there are lots of tools available to help you find stability and hope.

If you want to learn more about programs that treat this issue, you can browse our list of rehabs that treat marijuana addiction here.

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Trauma-Informed Care: Finding Support and Understanding in Rehab

Trauma often changes how you interpret the world—and it’s easy to feel that no one understands. But it’s a rather common human experience: “70% of adults in the U.S. experienced some type of traumatic event ((2013. How to Manage Trauma. National Council for Behavioral Health, pp.1-2. Retreived from https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Trauma-infographic.pdf?daf=375ateTbd56)) at least once in their lives,” according to the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Given how prevalent trauma is, the need to properly address it is growing increasingly important in the behavioral health services field. Treatment providers that take a trauma-informed approach to care acknowledge that trauma exists and emphasize a treatment setting that promotes safety, fosters trust, and prevents re-traumatization.

When trauma affects your life, it might be hard to foresee a path to recovery. Receiving knowledgeable, empathetic, trauma-informed care can be the start of a new chapter in leading a happier and more productive life.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach ((What is trauma-informed care? (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.html)) in the health and human services field that recognizes the role trauma plays in someone’s life. It calls for empathy and awareness of an individual’s trauma and ways to address it in order to deliver care as effectively as possible.

Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School Dr. Monique Tello, MD, MPH, explains: “The first step is to recognize how common trauma is and to understand that every patient may have experienced serious trauma. ((MPH, M. T., MD. (2018, October 16). Trauma-informed care: What it is, and why it’s important. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/trauma-informed-care-what-it-is-and-why-its-important-2018101613562)) We don’t necessarily need to question people about their experiences; rather, we should just assume that they may have this history and act accordingly…Trauma-informed care is the open-mindedness and compassion that all patients deserve, because anyone can have a history that impacts their encounter with the medical system.”

For many people, trauma is a barrier to seeking addiction treatment. ((Juliana, E., 2021. Trauma Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment Engagement Among Formerly Incarcerated Males. Walden University.)) In some cases, a patient has already received treatment in which trauma wasn’t properly addressed, causing retraumatization. The aim of TIC is to reduce these blocks and provide services in an accessible and appropriate manner.

What Does Trauma-Informed Care Involve?

6 key principles of trauma-informed care ((2014. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. [ebook] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Available at: https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf)) inform how treatment professionals interact with their clients:

1. Safety

Everyone in the treatment facility, including patients and staff, should feel physically and emotionally safe.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency

Transparency is emphasized throughout the organization, with the objective of promoting and maintaining trust among staff, patients, and their family members.

3. Peer Support

The term “peers” in a trauma-informed setting refers to individuals who have lived experiences of trauma. Peers play an important role in trauma-informed care. They can help develop trust, provide a sense of safety, and empower others through their stories of shared experiences to promote recovery and healing.

4. Collaboration and Mutuality

This principle acknowledges that “one does not have to be a therapist to be therapeutic.” ((2014. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. [ebook] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Available at: https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf)) Everyone has an equal role to play in a trauma-informed approach, whether you’re a patient, therapist, or support staff member.

5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

The treatment provider honors the strength, resilience, and ability of everyone involved in promoting recovery. Empowerment throughout the organization is key. Staff are trusted to deliver their best work and clients are empowered with choice and decision-making. Staff members serve as facilitators, rather than controllers, of rehabilitation.

6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

The organization deliberately pushes past cultural prejudices and biases in order to provide culturally sensitive treatments, identify and resolve historical trauma, and maximize the healing benefits of traditional cultural relationships.

A trauma-informed care approach is not accomplished through any single particular technique or checklist. It requires constant attention, caring awareness, sensitivity, and possibly a cultural change at an organizational level.” A quality treatment provider will continually assess their trauma-informed approach and make improvements when necessary.

What Are the Advantages of a Trauma-Informed Care Program?

Trauma-informed care isn’t considered a form of therapy. Instead, it’s an approach that guides how providers deliver your care. Providers that are trauma-informed apply an empathetic understanding of trauma to all areas of treatment.
Consistently applying a trauma-informed approach offers several key benefits: ((Maul, A. and Menschner, C., 2016. Key Ingredients for Successful Trauma-Informed Care Implementation. [PDF] Center for Health Care Strategies, pp.1-12. Available at: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/childrens_mental_health/atc-whitepaper-040616.pdf))

Establishes a Safe and Secure Environment

One of the hallmarks of trauma-informed care is providing a sense of safety throughout. You should feel physically and emotionally secure in any location in the facility. Feeling safe not only avoids retraumatization, but can help you be more present and comfortable while participating in your treatment program.

Facilitates Peer Support

People often feel isolated and alone in their struggles following a traumatic event. Trauma-informed care brings together individuals who’ve had similar experiences, creating opportunities for mutual support. This is helpful for several reasons. Seeing the positive impact of sharing your experiences with others can give you a sense of purpose. And listening to what others have gone through provides assurance that you’re not alone; others are by your side on the journey towards recovery.

Promotes Empowerment

In traditional treatment settings, clinicians may decide on a treatment with little opportunity for patient feedback. But in trauma-informed treatment, collaboration is key to patient empowerment. Rather than a doctor or therapist telling you what you should or shouldn’t do, patients have a say in their own therapy and play an active part in decision-making. This satisfies the 5th guiding principle of trauma-informed care: giving clients a voice in treatment. Feeling ownership of your treatment process can be a strong catalyst for following through and getting the most out of your time in therapy.

Avoids Retraumatization

At times, well-intentioned care providers can retraumatize trauma survivors. Forcing people to relive their traumas or pressuring them to open up can cause retraumatization. People are less likely to seek mental health and addiction treatment if they’ve experienced retraumatization. An important goal of trauma-informed care is to prevent this from happening.

How Might Treatment Providers Apply a Trauma-Informed Approach in Practice?

We’ve discussed the essential principles involved in trauma-informed care, but how might providers put these into action? Essentially, patients should feel physically and emotionally safe from the moment they arrive.

Physical Safety

Signs that a provider is taking steps to help you feel physically safe include having well-lit parking and common areas, security personnel to monitor who’s entering and exiting the building, a comfortable waiting area, minimized loud noises, and more.

Emotional Safety

Providers that practice TIC also take your feelings of emotional safety into account. They understand that going into an unfamiliar environment to receive treatment can feel intimidating, and create a sense of safety through communication. Communication follows a pattern of support and affirms a relationship of respect and partnership between you and your treatment team.

This can apply to scheduling as well. Because unexpected changes may be jarring for some, your team may aim to keep your schedule consistent and communicate any necessary changes in advance.

Mental health professionals often need to ask personal questions. In a trauma-safe context, they might explain what they’re about to ask and why it’s necessary. This same concept applies to physical exams. You should be told ahead of time why the examination is needed and what it will involve. You’re free to say “stop” at any time. This helps ensure your boundaries are respected. Your providers should always respect your humanity and treat you with compassion, and never compel you to endure something you’re not comfortable with.

Screening for Trauma

Trauma screening is a key component of trauma-informed care. Different providers have their own opinions on when to deliver a screening. But the general consensus in the behavioral health field is that trauma screening should come after you’ve built up trust with your provider. When you initially contact a treatment facility, they tend to avoid asking about specific trauma until you’ve established a connection with someone from their team.

Providers are expected to be trained in trauma screening so they can offer the appropriate follow-up care and avoid re-screening patients. Part of this training includes sensitivity to cultural and ethnic issues.

Staff are Trained in Trauma-Specific Therapies

If a provider practices trauma-informed care, their team should be trained in trauma-specific therapies. There are a wide range of therapies that address different types of trauma. Common therapies include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy.

Can Triggers Be Completely Avoided?

Triggers are taken into account in trauma-informed care. A trigger is an incident that produces a strong emotional response. The reaction may seem out of proportion to your current situation, but would be a normal response to the trauma you’ve experienced.

Having triggers doesn’t mean you’re weak or overly sensitive. We all have certain natural reactions to perceived threats. These reactions can serve us well when they drive us to act with urgency at the right time. But if the reactions are involuntary and disproportionate to your current circumstances, it can disrupt your way of life. The time and effort spent on treatment at a trauma-informed rehab can help you regain a measure of control.

Everyone’s triggers are different, and sometimes they can be difficult to anticipate. For example, you may have a strong emotional reaction around the anniversary date of a traumatic experience. The scent of a certain perfume may trigger unexpected anxiety, or hearing the song that played on the radio when you were in a car accident may cause unexpected panic.

It’s unrealistic and unproductive to try to avoid all triggers. Even if you never listen to the radio at home, the song you heard during the car accident might start playing in the car next to you at a red light. Making efforts to avoid triggers is an understandable temporary strategy. But the long-term purpose of trauma-specific therapies delivered in this setting isn’t to shield you from triggers. Instead, you’ll learn how to control your emotions and cope with distressing episodes.

Trauma-Informed Care: An Opportunity for Positive Results

Many complex issues are considered in trauma-informed care, and rightfully so. Access to safe, empowering, understanding interactions with others is instrumental in the healing process.

Some people avoid getting mental health or addiction treatment because they’re concerned about being forced to endure uncomfortable situations. A trauma-informed approach to recovery can help to change the negative connotations of participating in therapy. Quality providers recognize how trauma impacts feelings and behaviors, and apply this knowledge throughout their organization with the goal of providing a better experience for you and their team. Getting the support and understanding you deserve can open the door to more positive experiences in rehab.

Browse our list of rehabs that address trauma to learn more.

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How Much Individual Treatment Do You Need in Rehab?

Recovery is an immensely personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. 1-on-1 treatment, otherwise known as individual therapy, offers the opportunity to build a unique and strong bond with your therapist or care provider. For many people, this personal connection facilitates healing in a powerful way.

Most rehab programs include a balance of one-on-one treatment, group therapy and activities, and family therapy. The goals of each are different, so one isn’t necessarily better than the other. They all have the potential to powerfully impact your treatment experience.

A core component of one-on-one treatment is the additional focus your provider has on you, allowing both of you to explore your situation in depth. Many people find this beneficial, and it might even be necessary for certain patients. Some conditions, for example, require one-on-one attention. Or if you’re a high-profile person, you may need to remain anonymous throughout treatment, which makes attending groups a challenge.

Here, we’ll guide you through the different aspects of one-on-one treatment.

Understanding One-On-One Treatment

Individual vs. Group Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Individual treatment is delivered in a different setting than group treatment, which impacts the therapeutic experience. Each modality has its own set of goals and outcomes.

Individual Therapy

In individual treatment, you attend one-on-one sessions with your therapist, counselor, or care provider. This type of environment offers some unique takeaways:

  • You are the focal point. Your provider focuses solely on you, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of different aspects of your life.
  • You can address a wide range of topics per session. Because it’s just you and your provider, you can work through issues that may be more unique to your situation, like employment status, legal matters, and more.
  • You can make adjustments to your program. In a group setting, you may not have the opportunity to address your individual treatment plan. 1-on-1 sessions give you the space to discuss the nature and structure of your recovery program. If certain things aren’t working for you, you can talk to your provider about changing them.
  • You have greater privacy. You can work through your issues in confidentiality, but without having to go through your healing process alone.
  • You can work at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Addiction treatment involves a lot of goal-setting and skill-building work. During individual sessions, you can go through these at your own pace.

Group Therapy

Group therapy usually involves 5 or more people.1 One person leads these sessions, though a co-leader may be involved in larger groups. While some treatment facilities may have groups of 15 people or more, other rehabs have groups of around 6-8 people. Group settings offer a different dynamic from individual treatment:

  • The door opens for conversations to flow. Participants can jump in and offer feedback, creating opportunities to discover new insights.
  • You can focus on a topic that unites all participants. While conversation topics may fluctuate in individual treatment, group treatment often centers on a singular topic that involves all participants. For example, you may join a group that focuses on eating disorders or depression treatment.
  • Group treatment more closely resembles real-world situations. You’ll gain skills for being part of a community and speaking more openly with others.

What to Expect From a One-On-One Treatment Session

1. Getting to know you: Your first 1-on-1 treatment session may look different from the following ones. It’s an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. The relationship you build with your therapist is a fundamental aspect of individual treatment, so most therapists will use this chance to learn as much about you as possible. You can expect them to ask questions about your personal history, substance use history, needs, and goals. This is also a good time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

2. Laying out a treatment plan: Next, you’ll work on a treatment plan that’s suited toward your recovery goals. At centers that offer highly individualized care, like single-client rehabs, you have the option to be heavily involved in the planning process. For some people, taking such an active role in designing a treatment course might be overwhelming. If that’s the case, you can follow a predetermined plan laid out by your therapist. Once you’ve agreed to a treatment course, you’ll begin your sessions.

3. Open up in a private, safe environment: In an individual treatment session, you can discuss anything that comes up in private, without judgment. Your therapist will be there to guide you through challenging thoughts, behaviors, and feelings using various psychotherapy techniques. Goal setting and skill building are both key aspects of individual therapy. Skills you may learn include how to set healthy boundaries, or finding healthy ways to cope with emotional hardship. As you progress through your healing journey, you can expect your goals to change.

4. Doing the work outside of sessions: Your therapist will help guide you through your process. However, your readiness for change will influence what you get out of treatment. That is, the actual healing work falls on you. Oftentimes, this happens outside of therapy sessions. You’ll have time to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors while learning how to integrate lessons from therapy into your daily life. This process can help you glean further insight into your thoughts and feelings. Bringing this information into your next session allows you to dive deeper into the therapeutic process.

Common Types of Therapies Used in 1-on-1 Treatment

Most rehab programs offer a mix of psychotherapy, otherwise known as talk therapy, and experiential therapy. This helps maintain a balance between the intensity of talk therapy and the immersiveness of embodied experiences.

There are many different styles of psychotherapies and therapeutic activities. You may even want to choose a program depending on which of these they have available.

Psychotherapy

Popular types of individual therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

As one of the most common types of therapies available, a majority of rehab programs offer cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is an evidence-based treatment based on the principle that psychological issues stem from our thoughts, learned patterns, and behavior. In CBT, your therapist will take you through methodical strategies for changing your thought process, along with homework to put what you learn into practice. CBT is proven to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions2 like depression and anxiety.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a proven effective evidence-based treatment3 approach that incorporates mindfulness techniques with practical skills to help you tolerate and regulate your emotions. DBT draws from principles of Zen Buddhism and teaches you that your emotions are valid, however,you’re not your emotions. Your therapist will guide you through 4 distinct modules of DBT, often taken from the first or second edition of Dr. Linehan’s original DBT workbook:4 mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. DBT is especially beneficial for people with certain diagnoses, including borderline personality disorder and PTSD.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy5 is an approach of behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfully accepting, rather than avoiding, unhelpful or challenging situations. The underlying thought behind ACT is that all of our feelings, even the difficult ones, are a necessary part of life. Your therapist will take you through techniques to help you accept your psychological experiences (acceptance). You’ll clarify your personal goals and values. From there, your therapist will teach you the skills to build psychological flexibility, so you have the tools to act in a way that’s in line with your values (commitment).

Experiential Therapy

Popular one-on-one experiential therapies offered at rehabs include animal-assisted therapy and different forms of physical movement.

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy involves working with horses to treat trauma and suffering from addiction. At some rehabs, a health professional will work with you alone through a series of activities designed to achieve therapeutic goals. In this 1-on-1 environment, they can help you process any emotions that come up in the moment. Benefits of equine therapy6 include improved social connection and self-esteem, enhancing your trust levels, becoming more perceptive to the needs of others, and more.

Physical fitness

Several studies reveal that physical exercise improves mental health,7 so you’ll see many private rehab centers that include physical fitness in their program. Some centers offer sessions with a personal trainer, allowing you to explore your fitness needs in depth.

The team at Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland strives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their clients’ needs when it comes to fitness.

We start with an assessment process, looking at the client’s exercise history, what they’re doing, and whether they have injuries. We assess their relationship with fitness, whether they’ve been to a gym or have worked with a trainer before, and examine their current state of health. Then, we build the program around that. It’s really important for me to gauge their fitness levels and design the right type of exercises for it.

– Rowland Tweedie, Health and Fitness Manager, Paracelsus Recovery

If you’re searching for mental health or addiction treatment, it’s a good idea to look for a program that blends individual and group therapy. This can target various aspects of your recovery for a more complete healing journey.

Is Individual or Group Therapy More Beneficial?

Because everyone’s recovery journey is so unique, most rehab centers offer a number of healing modalities to accommodate different needs. This includes both individual and group therapy. Each has different goals, and both can be valuable to your healing journey. Some clients find that a blend of the 2 modalities is a good way to gain the benefits of both.

Benefits of Individual Therapy

1. The focus is on you: In individual therapy, all the focus is on you: conversations with your therapist are tailored to your story. Your therapist will try to gain a more in-depth understanding about different aspects of your life. This type of individualized attention can help you unpack very specific issues.

2. You can form stronger bonds with your therapist: The relationship between a patient and their therapist may be stronger in individual treatment,8 which has shown to result in lower drop-out rates.

3. Individual therapy may be more effective in the short term: A meta-analysis comparing individual versus group therapy in the treatment of adults with depression showed that individual therapy can be more effective9 than group therapy in the short term. There may be higher risk factors for drop out in group therapy10 due to challenges in compiling the right group. However, findings at this stage shouldn’t discourage people who may truly benefit from group therapy.

4. Your therapist can meet you where you’re at: Not everyone is at the same stage of readiness for change in their recovery journey. With individual treatment, your therapist can meet you where you are, and you can work on your issues at a pace that matches your situation.

5. You can open up in greater privacy: In individual treatment, it’s just you and your therapist. You’re working through your issues in complete confidentiality. For some clientele, like high-profile people, this level of privacy is a requirement.

6. Certain clientele require 1-on-1 focus: Some demographics have a unique set of needs for recovery, and certain conditions require more 1-on-1 attention. Someone with a dual diagnosis may need more individualized sessions with their psychiatrist, for example. Meanwhile, people with severe social anxiety may not be able to open up in group settings.

Benefits of Group Therapy

1. You have a support network: Many people who face mental health or substance use disorders feel isolated in their struggles. Speaking about it in a group setting can help you realize you’re not alone.

2. You can gain new perspectives: Group settings allow for dynamic conversations to occur. Other people in your group may offer feedback that helps you realize aspects of your healing you weren’t previously aware of.

3. Empowerment through support: An important aspect of group therapy is the peer support it offers. You may feel empowered to support others in their healing journey, and this can inspire your own.

4. Diversity of opinions: You can hear from diverse voices in a group setting. Seeing how different people work through their struggles may offer inspiration.

5. You can open up in a social setting: In group therapy, you have the opportunity to speak about topics you may not otherwise bring up in your normal social circles. Some people find it therapeutic to open up to others, and this teaches valuable social skills that you can carry into life outside of rehab.

How Many Clinical Hours Do Rehabs Actually Offer?

Inpatient programs at psychiatric or general hospitals11 offer an average of 4.2 hours per week of contact with medical professionals and 2.5 hours of contact with nonmedical professionals.

Good-quality private residential rehabs offer even more hours with a well-rounded clinical team. Many programs tend to provide 2 or more individual sessions a week.

For example, at McLean Fernside in Princeton, Massachusetts, “patients have the opportunity to meet with psychiatry 5 days a week and may meet with a case manager 3 times a week,” according to Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator.

More clinical hours with a therapist means you can address important emotions and needs as they come up. Your therapist has more time to learn about you, allowing you both to explore your situation thoroughly.

How Much 1-on-1 Treatment Do You Actually Need?

The length and duration of 1-on-1 treatment sessions you need will depend on your situation.

Usually, therapy sessions are 1 hour or more. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover12 as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.”

Some conditions may require more treatment hours than others. If you have a dual diagnosis, where substance use co-occurs with another mental health disorder, you’ll find value in specialized care. The APA suggests that longer treatment programs for co-occurring conditions can result in more effective outcomes.13 They recommend around 60 sessions for 12 to 18 months.

Individual Treatment Lets You Dive Deeper Into Your Healing Process

1-on-1 treatment allows you to build more rapport with your therapist or care provider, which can aid recovery in powerful ways. Strong therapeutic relationships are a cornerstone of successful treatment. As you spend more 1-on-1 time with your therapist, you may find yourself more comfortable opening up about intimate aspects of your life. And in 1-on-1 settings, your healthcare provider is dedicated to offering care for your distinct situation.

It’s important to remember that other modalities, like group therapy and family therapy, also provide benefits that you may not be able to get from 1-on-1 treatment. Unless you need to attend a single-client program, most rehab centers offer a balance of group therapy and individual treatment for well-rounded care.

That being said, your circumstances and rehab program requirements are unique–not everyone is comfortable opening up in group therapy, and this can hinder the recovery process.

If you’re looking for the additional focus that individual treatment provides, browse our list of rehabs that offer 1-on-1 treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Treatment in Rehab

What is individual therapy in rehab?

Individual therapy in rehab refers to one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. It provides personalized attention. This lets individuals explore their unique challenges, develop coping skills, and work towards recovery goals in a private and supportive environment.

How does individual therapy help in rehab?

Individual therapy in rehab offers numerous benefits:

• Explore personal issues in a focused environment
• Address any co-occurring mental health conditions
• Identify underlying causes of addiction
• Gain individualized strategies for long-term recovery 
• Promotes self-reflection and emotional healing

What can I expect during individual therapy in rehab?

During individual therapy in rehab, you can expect a safe space to discuss your experiences, emotions, and concerns. Your therapist will guide the sessions and tailor them to your needs. Expect collaborative goal-setting, skill-building exercises, and ongoing support to help you navigate challenges and work toward sustainable recovery.