Addiction counselling

When people think of addiction counselling, they often picture someone lying on a leather sofa, spilling their thoughts to a counsellor. But is that really all there is to it? Addiction counselling comes in many forms, each designed to help in different ways. In this guide, we’ll break down what addiction counselling actually is, the different types available and how you can find the right support to overcome addiction.

What is addiction counselling?

Addiction counselling helps people navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that come with addiction. It provides a space to talk openly, explore the reasons behind addictive behaviours and work toward meaningful change. Whether someone is struggling with substance use or a behavioural addiction, counselling offers support tailored to their experiences.

Are there different types of addiction counselling?

Many people believe counselling is simply a one-to-one conversation with a therapist. While this is certainly a big part of addiction counselling, there are several other ways to receive support, each offering a different approach to recovery. Addiction affects people in unique ways, and the right type of counselling depends on the person, the addiction and the challenges they’re facing.

One-to-one therapy

This is the most well-known form of addiction counselling. It involves private sessions with a therapist, allowing a person to explore the root causes of their addiction in a safe and confidential space. These sessions help with areas like uncovering triggers and addressing past traumas. One-to-one therapy is beneficial for both substance and behavioural addictions, as it allows for deep personal reflection and tailored support.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to addiction. Many people struggling with addiction develop automatic thoughts like “I can’t cope without this” or “Just one more time won’t hurt”, which fuel their dependence. CBT helps challenge these thoughts and replace them with healthier perspectives.

It’s highly effective for substance addictions, as well as behavioural addictions like gambling or compulsive eating, where breaking repetitive cycles is key to recovery.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is similar to CBT but has a stronger focus on managing emotions. It’s particularly useful for people who struggle with intense mood swings and self-destructive behaviours. Many who develop addictions use substances or behaviours to cope with emotional pain, and DBT provides skills to regulate emotions without resorting to harmful habits.

Holistic therapies

Sometimes, talking about addiction isn’t enough. That’s where holistic therapies shine. Yoga, meditation, art therapy and sound therapy all provide different ways to reconnect with yourself and process emotions. These approaches can be especially helpful for people who struggle to put their feelings into words.

As an example, someone recovering from cocaine addiction might turn to meditation to stay grounded through cravings, while a person dealing with compulsive shopping could use art therapy as a creative release.

Group therapy

Addiction can feel isolating, but group therapy reminds people they’re not alone. Being in a room with others who truly understand what it’s like to struggle with addiction can be a true help. It’s a space where people share experiences and learn from each other.

For someone overcoming substance addiction, hearing about another person’s journey can make their own recovery feel more possible. The same goes for behavioural addictions like gambling or gaming, and sometimes, just knowing someone else gets it makes all the difference.

Family therapy

Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t only affect the person going through it, it can ripple through entire families. This can create tension and damage relationships that often feel too broken to repair.

Family therapy helps rebuild those connections by providing a space for open, honest conversations without pointing fingers or placing blame. The goal is to find a way forward while helping loved ones learn how to be supportive without enabling addictive behaviours, which can be a difficult balance to strike. Family therapy can be a crucial part of healing.

How is the right form of addiction counselling selected?

Choosing the right therapy for addiction centres around meeting each person where they are in their journey. Everyone comes into treatment at a different stage, and the right therapy should match their readiness for change.

Some therapists use Prochaska’s stages of change to determine what kind of support will be most effective. Someone who isn’t ready to quit yet (pre-contemplation) might need education and motivation-enhancing therapy rather than structured, action-based therapy like CBT. On the other hand, someone who’s ready to take steps towards sobriety will benefit more from hands-on strategies and behavioural tools.

Trying to force change too soon can push someone away from treatment rather than help them move forward.

Personal values and preferences also matter. Therapy should feel supportive, not like something that’s being imposed. Some people thrive in one-on-one sessions, while others find strength in a group or family-based approach. The best therapy is the one that aligns with where someone is emotionally, what they need and what’s realistically available to them.

When does addiction counselling begin?

Not many people consider this question. Is it something that happens before treatment even starts, or does it take place during or after rehab? Understanding when counselling is introduced into a recovery programme can help set expectations and highlight its role in the healing process.

The timing of addiction counselling depends on the type of addiction and the setting of treatment. At Banbury Lodge, therapy can begin relatively early for behavioural addictions, as there’s no physical detox process to go through.

For substance addictions, however, counselling usually starts after detox. This delay ensures that a person is mentally and physically prepared to engage with therapy, as withdrawal symptoms and lingering substances in the body can make it difficult to engage fully in the therapy.

For example, someone entering rehab for alcohol addiction may need a specific period of time to complete detox. During this time, their body is adjusting to the absence of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, or confusion could make it challenging to focus on therapy. Once detox is complete and their mind is clearer, addiction counselling can begin, allowing them to explore the psychological factors behind their addiction with full focus and engagement.

Can addiction counselling help those with co-occurring issues?

Sadly, addiction and mental health issues often go hand in hand. The connection is strong and it’s not uncommon for both issues to exist simultaneously. In fact, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of adults aged 18 and over in the U.S. who have another mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder.

Common co-occurring conditions can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Psychotic disorders
• Personality disorders 

So, what types of therapies are best in these cases? Therapies like CBT and DBT are especially effective when treating co-occurring conditions because they target both the addiction and the underlying mental health struggles.

CBT for co-occurring addictions

CBT helps people challenge the negative thoughts that contribute to both substance use and mental health symptoms. For example, someone with depression and alcohol addiction might believe they are a failure, which fuels their drinking. CBT works by helping them reframe that thought and develop healthier coping strategies.

DBT for co-occurring addictions

DBT is particularly helpful for those who struggle with challenges that are common in addiction and personality disorders. For instance, someone with borderline personality disorder and opioid addiction may experience extreme emotional swings that push them toward substance use. DBT helps them develop mindfulness skills and emotional regulation techniques, reducing the urge to use drugs as a way to self-soothe.

By addressing both addiction and mental health together, counselling provides a more complete approach to recovery. When only one issue is treated, the other is more likely to cause a relapse. That’s why Banbury Lodge offers therapy options designed to support both sides of the struggle, helping people build a foundation for long-term stability.

What are the next steps?

The next step is reaching out for help. At Banbury Lodge, we support people facing addiction and the mental health challenges that often come with it. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction or a behavioural addiction, we offer recovery programmes tailored to your needs. Addiction counselling plays a key role in our programmes, helping you understand the reasons behind your addiction and develop healthier ways to move forward. With the right guidance, lasting change is possible.

If you’re ready to take that step, our team is here to help. Reach out today and begin your journey toward a healthier, addiction-free future.