Evidence Based Therapy

There are many schools of thought in regards to addiction treatment. The Villa Treatment Center employs evidence based therapy as a proven treatment method for those suffering from alcohol or drug dependence.

Using dual addiction techniques that include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we are able to help our residents take the next step toward sobriety. It is not enough to detoxify the body from drugs or alcohol, follow-up therapy within a licensed and certified drug and alcohol treatment center is key to making sobriety a lasting solution.

What is Evidence Based Therapy?

A relatively new concept, evidence based therapy refers to the use of therapeutic techniques that are based on scientific evidence. EBPs are a series of treatments that work to reduce psychological symptoms, and each therapy listed under the EBP umbrella is listed as a “Best Practice” or “Preferred Method” by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association.

Many studies on this treatment approach conclude that EBPs effectively reduce psychological symptoms years after therapy is completed. Commonly, the EBP practices used to treat drug and alcohol dependence are CBT and EDMR therapy, both of which are practiced at The Villa Treatment Center.

Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Treat Addiction

CBT was originally introduced as as way to treat alcohol abuse but later developed into a method for treating various addictions. Theories surrounding CBT conclude that drug-addicted individuals began their substance abuse because of the ways in which they process information. CBT focuses specifically on the way individuals think about their emotions and how those emotions can relate to certain drug-related behaviors. Emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all connected, and the goal for CBT therapists is to identify problematic behaviors in drug-addicted individuals and teach them coping strategies that interrupt those behaviors.

Some of these coping strategies include:

  • Recognizing what cravings feel like
  • Understanding the positive and negative consequences of drug use
  • Learning which situations will put individuals at risk for drug use
  • Learning methods for avoiding risky situations

With continued treatment, the skills learned during CBT can last once regular sessions are complete. Residents using CBT can work towards reducing their drug dependence by applying techniques that improve their self-control.

The Introduction to EDMR Therapy

EDMR specifically targets traumatic experiences in residents with drug-dependence and has been proven to heal many aspects of psychological stress. Treatment involves the discussion of past memories, current stressors and future actions in order to relieve symptoms of stress and facilitate addiction treatment. The goal is to first have residents thoroughly understand the experiences that are causing emotional harm and then determine new behaviors in order to achieve a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Individual sessions will include:

  • “Digesting” problematic experiences and storing them in the brain
  • Using relevant experiences to guide individuals towards fulfillment
  • Understanding how negative experiences can lead individuals toward negative behavior
  • Dismissing negative thoughts and emotions so that residents can focus on a positive lifestyle

The length of EDMR therapy varies depending on the personal experiences of each resident, but by the end of treatment, patients should be able to understand how their past experiences effect their present behavior and develop new solutions for the future.

Addiction Treatment at The Villa Treatment Center – Evidence Based Therapy

Located in Woodland Hills, California, The Villa Treatment Center provides a successful base of recovery by practicing dual addiction treatment, which is the belief that both detoxification and professional therapy need to occur in order for sobriety to become a lifelong solution. We begin treatment by performing mental health screenings and assessing the detox solution that would be most appropriate for each resident. It is important to treat mental illness while also treating addiction lest the one interferes with successful recovery from the other. Once detox is complete, residents will transition into a comprehensive treatment program, which may include employing both CBT and EDMR practices by a professional therapist.

Our residential treatment program takes into consideration your personal beliefs and offers a variety of treatment options in order to align with your treatment goals. We cater to individuals of diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds and employ a 12-step program modality that helps you connect with the world and people around you.

Evidence Based Therapy – At The Villa Treatment Center, we expect each resident to be dedicated to their treatment. Little can be done unless you are personally invested in receiving help. Our hope is that members become open to treating their addiction when they experience our genuine desire to understand their unique circumstances and help them move forward. By combining continual support with expectations for accountability, we are able to build meaningful relationships with all of our residents and work with them to find a life of recovery, regardless of where they have been in their addiction.

If you are ready to begin a renewed life of sobriety, contact The Villa Treatment Center today If you are ready to begin a renewed life of sobriety, contact The Villa Treatment Center today at (855) 591-6116 or by emailing us at [email protected]