What Types of Therapy Work?

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy offers the bi-polar patient insight into both their mental health disorder, and how that disorder interacts with their substance abuse to compound the negative symptoms they experience. Therapy will work to educate the bi-polar addict on the consequences of using alcohol or drugs as a form of self medication, and to develop strategies that will empower the bi-polar addict to avoid temptations and triggers to use.

Peer Group Therapy

One of the hallmarks of bi-polar disorder is a reluctance to accept treatment and/or a denial of the existence of the disorder, and as such a peer group session with other bi-polar substance abusers can serve to induce a better self awareness of the condition, and a greater acceptance of the necessary treatments.

Bi-polar substance abuse peer therapy illuminates the behaviors, sensations and emotions common to concurrent addiction and bi-polar disorder; and through peer group sharing, stories and strategies, bi-polar addicts gain strength and awareness from others like themselves, and increase their motivations to live sober, and appropriately medicated.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an important part of any addictions treatment, and is especially crucial to the overall success of any treatment for a bi-polar addict. Behavioral teachings will enable the addict to recognize their cues to abuse, and learn strategies that will help them to avoid these triggers; and will also help them to recognize the behaviors that may indicate a worrisome turn in the symptomology of their bi-polar disorder. Effective cognitive training can help to improve psychiatric medication compliance, reduce the temptations of alcohol or drug abuse, and greatly increase the probability of a stable, sober and happy future.