Key Takeaways:

• St. Christopher's uses multiple evidence-based therapy approaches including CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapy, group therapy, and family therapy to address addiction as a disease affecting the body, mind, emotions, and behavior.
• The center provides long-term residential treatment lasting 90 days to 8 months, which research shows is significantly more effective than standard 30-day rehab programs.
• The facility offers gender-specific treatment exclusively for men, as studies indicate men have higher abstinence rates and lower relapse rates in gender-specific programs compared to mixed-gender settings.
• They provide dual diagnosis treatment that simultaneously addresses both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder with integrated therapy plans and medication management.

When someone you love is addicted, realize it is more than a bad habit; it is a perilous fight for good health. You are powerless or so overwhelmed and think, "How do I get my loved one off alcohol or drugs?" You don't have to face it alone. At St. Christopher's Addiction Wellness Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we recognize that the right therapy and support can lead to lasting recovery.

You can ask yourself, "Is therapy a cure for addiction?" And the answer is yes. Addiction is a disease of the body, mind, emotions, behavior, and thoughts. Healing goes beyond pills or detox; it involves addressing emotional pain, trauma, and psychological distress. Therapy is a safe place to discuss these things, work through the past, and learn healthier coping skills. With the help of trained professionals, recovery means rebuilding lives, repairing relationships, and learning skills for a healthier, more meaningful future.

At St. Christopher's, addiction recovery is grounded in decades of experience and research-supported, successful practices. We've assisted men from all across the United States in their recovery through long-term care, counseling, family therapy, and community support. We're dedicated to providing tailored treatment to suit each individual, kindling hope and rebirth.

What Therapy is Used for Addiction?

Let's break down the best therapy approaches used to treat drug addiction—ones we rely on every day at St. Christopher's:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most researched and effective therapies for addiction. It helps individuals recognize the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to substance use. Therapists work with clients to develop healthier ways of thinking and reacting to stress, trauma, and triggers.

CBT teaches coping strategies, reduces relapse risk, and encourages self-monitoring. This approach is especially useful for those struggling with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. At St. Christopher's, our licensed therapists use CBT extensively in both individual and group settings, helping clients identify harmful patterns and replace them with constructive alternatives.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has become a cornerstone of addiction treatment. This therapy teaches emotional regulation, builds distress tolerance, and improves interpersonal effectiveness.

Men in our program often report improved relationships with family and peers after completing DBT. The skills learned in DBT sessions help clients manage intense emotions without turning to substances. Our therapists guide clients through mindfulness techniques, distress tolerance exercises, and interpersonal skills training that prove invaluable in maintaining sobriety.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Trauma is often at the root of addiction. Our therapists use specialized techniques including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting, and trauma-informed group therapy to address underlying traumatic experiences.

Addressing trauma can break the cycle of using drugs to self-medicate. This is especially important for clients with a history of abuse or violence. Many individuals struggling with addiction have experienced significant trauma that remains unprocessed, creating a cycle where substances become the primary coping mechanism. At St. Christopher's, our trauma-informed approach ensures that every aspect of treatment recognizes the impact of traumatic experiences.

Group Therapy

Connection and accountability are key to recovery. Group therapy creates a sense of community and allows clients to share stories and support, build social skills, and process challenges in a safe space.

We use both process-oriented and educational groups to encourage emotional growth and peer support. Process groups allow clients to work through current challenges with peers who understand their experiences, while educational groups provide practical information about addiction, recovery skills, and relapse prevention. The bonds formed in group therapy often continue long after treatment ends, creating a lasting support network.

Individual Therapy

Some issues are too personal or complex for a group setting. That's why we offer one-on-one counseling where clients set personal recovery goals, work through shame and guilt, and address family dynamics or identity struggles.

Our licensed therapists meet each client where they are emotionally and mentally. Individual therapy provides the space for clients to work on deeply personal issues, process difficult emotions, and develop personalized strategies for maintaining sobriety. This private setting allows for intensive work on specific challenges that might be difficult to address in a group environment.

Family Therapy

Addiction hurts the whole family. That's why family therapy is a core part of our program. Family therapy heals broken trust, educates families about addiction, and teaches healthier ways to support recovery.

Our monthly 3-day workshops help families reconnect and learn how to be part of the solution. These intensive workshops combine education about the disease of addiction with practical communication skills and healing exercises. Family members often struggle with their own trauma related to their loved one's addiction, and our family program addresses these needs while rebuilding healthy relationships.

Dual Diagnosis Therapy

Many people with addiction also suffer from mental health issues like bipolar disorder, PTSD, or depression. Our dual diagnosis program provides psychiatric evaluation by board-certified doctors, integrated therapy plans, and ongoing medication management.

We address both issues at once, improving chances for long-term stability and health. Dr. Jose Artecona, our Medical Director, is board certified in general and forensic psychiatry and a diplomat of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He works closely with our clinical team to ensure that mental health conditions receive appropriate treatment alongside addiction recovery.

Holistic Therapies

Healing isn't just about talking, it's also about how you live. Our Wellness Program includes fitness and movement therapy, nutritional guidance, sleep education, and hobby development.

These therapies help our clients rebuild physical and emotional health. Patients learn how to manage cravings, reduce anxiety, and enjoy life again without drugs. Travis Weisbrod, our Wellness Director and program alumnus, brings a unique perspective to holistic healing. He holds multiple certifications including Exercise Physiologist (ACSM) and Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), and creates personalized wellness plans for each client.

The wellness component addresses nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. Clients participate in structured physical activities five days per week, including gym workouts and yoga sessions. They also receive education about proper nutrition and meal planning, which is vital for physical recovery and mental clarity.

The Power of Long-Term Treatment

At St. Christopher's, we are professionally trained to offer long-term residential care that lasts anywhere from 90 days to 8 months. The longer time frame is intended to allow for very intensive therapeutic work that cannot be fully accomplished with shorter programs, like standard 30-day rehab stays. Studies demonstrate that individuals who experience longer treatment durations have considerably more success in the recovery process.

It is worth noting that the detox process in the body continues even after the first 30 days. Also, the brain needs sufficient time to heal from the damage of the substance.

Our method is based on the recognition that recovery from addiction is a process that takes time. It entails managing changes in brain chemistry, building new habits of mind, learning basic life skills, healing wounded family relationships, and consistently practicing recovery principles over time.

Gender-Specific Treatment for Men

St. Christopher's is a residential facility for men only, as it is understood that gender-specific treatment can be more effective. Men differ from women in their experience of substance use disorder and may have to address issues of masculinity, societal expectations, and emotional expression.

In our gender-specific setting, men can discuss these matters freely, without the pressure of gender conformity or judgment. The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment discovered in a study that men treated in gender-specific programs had greater abstinence rates and lower relapse rates than those treated in mixed-gender programs.

A Therapeutic Community Approach

St. Christopher's is a rehab community, meaning it is a rehab environment where residents are actively working to recover. In this community, clients are encouraged to participate in a wide range of healing activities, as well as assist and support one another in their recovery.

The model highlights the significance of community, peer support, and personal responsibility. The model is an open and safe environment where one can discover one's experiences, behavior, and thinking without constraints, unfettered by judgment.

In this, clients have the opportunity to practice new skills they have acquired, establish and develop healthy relationships with others, and take responsibility for their actions and the person they become. This instills a sense of belongingness and community, which is necessary in an attempt to attain and sustain long-term recovery.

Research and practice have indicated that the therapeutic community modality works very well with addicted and mentally ill clients because it gives them the guidance and support that they need to rehabilitate.

Specialized Programs and Services

Beyond traditional therapy, St. Christopher's offers specialized programs including medical detoxification with 24/7 medical supervision, intensive outpatient programs for continued support, sober living arrangements for transitional housing, and extensive family programming with virtual groups and workshops.

Our Second Chance Foundation provides financial assistance to those who might otherwise be unable to afford the full length of treatment, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent access to life-saving care.

The Path Forward

It can be recovered, and there is therapy. If your loved one is seeking help for the first time or has attempted treatment at multiple facilities previously, we can assist you both. Everybody's journey to recovery is different, yet with suitable treatment, one can achieve long-term sobriety.

The foundation for long-term recovery is the combination of evidence-based therapies, chronic care, and a supportive community. St. Christopher's has seen thousands of men recover their lives with committed treatment and ongoing care.

If you or the one you love is at the threshold of the trap of addiction, don't wait. Contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation and start your path towards healing and recovery.

FAQ: Best Therapies for Treating Drug Addiction

1. What therapy is used for addiction the most?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is widely used because it helps change thinking patterns that lead to drug use.

2. How can you help someone get off drugs with therapy?
Support them in finding a structured treatment program that offers both individual and group therapy, like the one at St. Christopher’s.

3. Does therapy help with addiction even if someone relapsed before?
Yes. Therapy addresses the root causes of addiction and can be even more effective after relapse because of the insights gained.

4. How long do you need therapy for addiction?
It depends on the individual, but longer-term therapy (90 days to 8 months) shows better outcomes for lasting recovery.

5. Can therapy treat both mental health and drug use?
Yes, dual diagnosis therapy treats both mental health issues and substance use at the same time for better recovery outcomes.