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Types of Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for drug and alcohol addiction. Rehabs use different strategies and evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, to help people recover from substance misuse.1 These therapies also help patients make behavioral changes, work on underlying issues, strengthen coping and stress management skills, and resume productive lives.1

Commonly called addiction, substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic yet treatable medical disease that involves the compulsive use of substances despite the negative consequences on a person’s life.2,3 Therapy is a valuable component of treatment that can help people regain control of their lives, stop the cycle of substance misuse, and live productive, drug-free lives.3 If you or a loved one are struggling, you may benefit from learning more about different types of therapy for drug addiction.

What Types of Therapy Are Used in Addiction Treatment?

There are many types of behavioral therapies that can be useful as addiction therapy. For some substance use disorders, behavioral therapy may be combined with medication therapy. The type that is chosen typically depends on different factors, including the substance a person uses and the approach of the rehab.3 Different therapeutic approaches can also be very helpful for people struggling with co-occurring disorders and addiction, which means having a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, and a SUD at the same time.1

The main types of behavioral therapies for addiction include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Contingency management (CM).
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
  • Group therapy.
  • Complementary and alternative therapy (CAM).
  • Matrix model.
  • Motivational interviewing (MI).

Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

Yes, health insurance should cover at least some of the cost of therapy for substance misuse. If you enter inpatient addiction treatment or outpatient programs such as intensive outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs or partial hospitalization rehab programs and your program includes therapy, then treatment and therapy will most likely be covered.10

You may be responsible for a copay, which is a small amount you pay upfront when you visit a provider, and a deductible, which is the specific amount you’ll need to pay when using insurance to pay for therapy before your plan covers costs, but amounts can vary widely depending on the plan you have.11 It’s a good idea to verify deductibles and copays with your provider.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that health insurance coverage for addiction treatment is an essential benefit, and Marketplace insurance plans must cover behavioral health treatment, such as psychotherapy and counseling, mental and behavioral health inpatient services, and SUD treatment.12

The 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act also requires health insurers to cover services for mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders in a way that is comparable to their physical health coverage.11 Plans can vary in coverage, however, so it’s important to verify your exact benefits with your insurance carrier.12

Once you’ve completed a formal treatment/therapy program, it’s helpful to continue with ongoing recovery aftercare programs, such as individual or group therapy so you can obtain support, strengthen and practice coping skills, and continue to work on the unique issues that are relevant to your recovery.13

Find Therapy for Addiction Treatment Near You

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance misuse or SUD, you might first consider drug and alcohol detox facilities to help you safely stop using the substance and undergo withdrawal, if appropriate to your situation.3

When you’re ready to find treatment or therapy, you can search for inpatient or outpatient rehabs using the FindTreatment.gov website from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). You can also consult your doctor to discuss your needs, receive an evaluation, and ask for referrals.14

No matter how bad things might seem, people struggling with SUDs and substance misuse can benefit from treatment and therapy in rehab.14 Addiction treatment offers support from trained staff, assistance with mental health issues, and community support, equips you with the tools you’ll need to build a drug- and alcohol-free life, provides evidence-based therapies, and takes a whole-person treatment approach that incorporates all of your unique needs, including any medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems you may be facing.3

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment in the U.S., with locations across the country. We offer a variety of levels of care, including detox, inpatient and outpatient recovery programs, evidence-based treatments, and customized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are struggling, call to speak with a caring admissions navigator about your treatment options, ask any questions you may have about rehab or the treatment process, and verify your health insurance coverage.

You can also easily and quickly check if your insurance is in-network by filling out the form below.

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