Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use—it’s about healing the underlying patterns, thoughts, and experiences that contribute to addiction in the first place. At Solace Treatment Center, we use evidence-based addiction treatment to help clients build lasting change through clinically proven therapies.
If you’re considering treatment or currently navigating recovery, understanding what happens in counseling can make the process feel less intimidating—and more empowering. In this blog, we’ll break down the therapies we use, what to expect in addiction counseling sessions, and why evidence-based approaches offer the best chance for long-term success.
What Is Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment?
Evidence-based addiction treatment refers to therapeutic methods that are supported by scientific research and proven effective through clinical studies. These therapies are recommended by organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
They’re not based on guesswork or trends—they’re rooted in decades of research and real-world outcomes.
Why Therapy Matters in Addiction Recovery
Addiction isn’t just about substances—it’s about pain, habits, trauma, and survival strategies that no longer work. Counseling helps you understand:
Why you use substances
What triggers your cravings
How to cope with stress and emotions
How to rebuild trust, purpose, and connection
Therapy also provides a safe, confidential space to be honest—sometimes for the first time in years.
Types of Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment We Use at Solace
At Solace Treatment Center, every client receives a customized treatment plan based on their needs, goals, and mental health background. Here’s a look at the most common therapeutic approaches you can expect:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used forms of evidence-based addiction treatment. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors.
In CBT, you’ll learn how to:
Recognize and reframe self-defeating thoughts
Cope with cravings and urges
Problem-solve and manage stress more effectively
Build confidence in your ability to stay sober
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), CBT is especially effective for individuals struggling with both addiction and mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used in addiction treatment—especially when emotional dysregulation or self-harm is present.
DBT teaches:
Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Distress tolerance during intense emotions
Emotional regulation skills
Healthier ways to relate to others
Many clients at Solace find DBT helpful for managing anger, grief, or overwhelming emotions that previously led to relapse.
3. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Not everyone enters treatment feeling ready to change—and that’s okay. Motivational Interviewing helps you explore your own reasons for recovery, without pressure or judgment.
In MI sessions, the therapist helps you:
Clarify your goals and values
Understand how substance use conflicts with those goals
Strengthen your internal motivation to make changes
Build confidence in your ability to succeed
This approach is especially useful early in treatment or for clients who feel unsure about committing to recovery.
4. Trauma-Informed Therapy (Including EMDR)
Many people with substance use disorders also have a history of trauma. At Solace, we recognize that addressing trauma is essential to healing.
We use trauma-informed care practices and offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a proven method for reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions, including PTSD, which often co-occur with addiction.
5. Group Therapy
While individual counseling is vital, group therapy adds a powerful layer of peer support. In a group setting, clients can:
Share experiences and challenges
Learn from others’ insights and successes
Practice social skills and accountability
Develop a sense of belonging and support
Group therapy is often led by a licensed therapist and may include specific topics like relapse prevention, grief, trauma, or communication.
What to Expect in Counseling Sessions
Whether you’re in a residential or outpatient program at Solace, your therapy will be structured yet flexible. Here’s what most clients experience:
Initial assessment to identify goals, history, and mental health needs
Weekly one-on-one sessions with a primary therapist
Group sessions with peers, often daily in early treatment
Family therapy when appropriate, to repair relationships and build support
Ongoing adjustments to your treatment plan as you progress
Each session is confidential, compassionate, and focused on helping you heal at your own pace.
The Benefits of Evidence-Based Therapy
Why does evidence-based addiction treatment matter? Because it gives you:
A proven framework for recovery
Tools and skills you can use long after treatment
Greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence
A reduced risk of relapse
Improved relationships, self-esteem, and stability
Recovery is more than abstinence—it’s transformation. Therapy helps you build the life you want, not just leave the past behind.
Start Your Healing with Solace Treatment Center
At Solace Treatment Center, we combine compassion with science to give you the best possible chance at lasting recovery. Our therapists are highly trained, deeply supportive, and committed to your growth.
Whether you’re just starting treatment or seeking deeper healing after relapse, we’re here to walk with you through every stage of the journey.
Visit www.solacetreatmentcenter.com or call us for a confidential consultation today.
