What does accelerated resolution therapy do?
In the journey toward recovery from substance dependencies, such as opioids and alcohol, individuals can find a variety of treatment modalities, each targeting a different facet of addiction. Among these, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) has emerged as a noteworthy option. It’s essential to recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, necessitating a tailored approach to treatment. The act of seeking assistance itself is a commendable step forward.
Despite the prevailing stigma associated with substance use disorder and its treatments, MAT Care Clinics extends unbiased support to all those in New England aspiring for a life free from the chains of addiction. Our array of treatments includes medication-assisted treatment, which we advise to complement with psychotherapeutic interventions for a sustained recovery.
So, what does accelerated resolution therapy do? This innovative therapeutic strategy focuses on the psychological and emotional aspects that influence substance dependency, serving as a crucial element of a comprehensive treatment strategy. ART can aid individuals in navigating through trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges that may fuel substance use. This non-invasive therapy facilitates the processing and resolution of distressing memories and emotions by employing techniques such as guided visualizations and eye movements.
In this blog, we will delve into the definition of accelerated resolution therapy, how it works, and the benefits of integrating it into a comprehensive treatment plan for substance dependence.
Defining Accelerated Resolution Therapy
ART is a psychotherapeutic technique where therapists assist clients in replacing negative mental imagery related to specific memories that trigger distressing emotional and physical responses with positive images selected by the client. The Society of Clinical Psychology, Div. 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledges ART as an evidence-supported method, recognizing its efficacy in addressing a wide range of psychological issues. This approach is less invasive compared to other therapies and yields noticeable outcomes from the initial session.
ART proves particularly beneficial in treating trauma, post-traumatic stress, substance use disorders, and other underlying issues. Conceived by Laney Rosenzweig, MS, LMFT, ART integrates components of various therapeutic modalities, including exposure therapy, Gestalt therapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and guided imagery.
Scientific studies affirm the role of eye movements in ART, highlighting their ability to generate theta brain waves. Scientists link these waves with creativity, intuition, and relaxation, akin to the states experienced during meditation.
How Does ART Work?
Accelerated resolution therapy functions by reprogramming the way individuals store distressing memories and images in the brain, thereby neutralizing their capacity to trigger physical and emotional responses. Utilizing rapid eye movements akin to those experienced during sleep, this method—guided by a professional—facilitates swift and secure alleviation of painful reactions that can lead to substance use. The inclusion of eye movements, among other techniques within the ART protocol, significantly enhances the speed and efficacy of the therapy.
According to Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, a pivotal feature of ART is its ability for clients to replace negative imagery with positive ones without verbalizing traumatic details to the therapist. ART adopts a procedural and imaginative approach, granting clients autonomy over the healing process while the therapist provides guidance. This collaborative dynamic simplifies the therapeutic experience for the client.
Despite the challenges that traumatic experiences may present, clients initiating an ART session can rapidly transcend the impasse of past traumas and enact positive transformations of their initiative. Typically, ART sessions provide a sense of calm and often yield gratifying outcomes for the client.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Substance Dependence
Research has found an interwind of substance use disorder with other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research published in the National Library of Medicine elucidates the intricate relationship between these disorders, indicating that individuals recovering from substance dependence frequently have a history of trauma. This connection significantly elevates their risk for PTSD, underscoring the necessity for integrated treatment strategies.
Military veterans are among those most susceptible to developing PTSD, having potentially faced traumatic events during service and combat that profoundly impact their psychological health. In many cases, these individuals resort to substance use due to challenges in accessing professional assistance. Although processing and articulating distressing experiences and associated emotions can be daunting, it’s essential to recognize there is hope.
At MAT Care Clinics, we provide holistic support to individuals grappling with substance use disorder, crafting treatment plans that encompass both physical and psychological dimensions. Our methodology aids those dealing with addiction, trauma, and PTSD.
We acknowledge that therapy does not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. While Accelerated Resolution Therapy may benefit a broad spectrum of clients, each person’s traumatic experiences and life journey are unique. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to hold onto the belief that hope prevails and that ART can serve as an invaluable component of your treatment plan.
More About Substance Dependence Treatment
MAT Care Clinics and Substance Dependency Treatment
We recognize that engaging in psychotherapy can be daunting, as it involves sharing painful experiences with someone unfamiliar. However, accelerated resolution therapy presents a compelling option for those seeking to embark on emotional healing and enhance their participation and outcomes in the overall rehabilitation journey. The integration of MAT and ART in addressing substance dependence and accompanying disorders embodies a holistic strategy that yields remarkable results.
At MAT Care Clinics, we dedicate our work to assisting you. Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, our facility offers comprehensive programs led by highly trained and certified professionals aimed at supporting individuals in achieving sustained sobriety. For more details on how we can assist you, please get in touch with us by calling (833) 622-0628 or visiting our website. Let’s work together to get your life back on track!
