The significant experiences and stories of our lives serve as guideposts in the journey ahead — but what if some are leading us in the wrong direction? Difficult or traumatic parts of our past can hamper an addict’s successful recovery from substance abuse. When these memories resurface, an addict may cling to getting drunk or high as a way to cope.

At Treatment Solutions, narrative therapy is one of the tools we use to re-map our futures, only this time heading in a positive, sober direction.For just about every addict, there are life stories filled with disappointment — moments when our drug addiction or alcoholism caused lasting harm. But there are also other moments that we can revisit as a source of encouragement and strength.

During narrative therapy, a therapist might ask “Have there been times when you did notallow addiction to take over?” This kind of question reinforces that our life is not one narrative, but a collection of different stories, both good and bad. We can identify the moments when things went well, when we followed the ideals and values we hold dear. Those positive past experiences, now highlighted like never before, become building blocks for a successful future. As the English writer G.K. Chesterton once said, “Stories are useful, not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be defeated.”

Another key feature of narrative therapy is that clients are taught to see the problem of substance abuse as a separate, influential entity rather than an inseparable part of their being. This “externalizing” of addiction allows the addict to honestly explore and evaluate drug abuse like an investigative reporter puts together the pieces of a news story.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of narrative therapy, both for substance abusers and the general public as a whole:

• A 2009 study published in the Social Work With Groups journal that found narrative therapy to be beneficial to older adults suffering from substance abuse and/or mental illness.
• A 2004 study authored by David Charles Kaptain that found narrative therapy demonstrated “positive” results for young adults enrolled in teen drug rehab.
• A 2008 Queensland University of Technology study that found 53% of adults experiencing severe depressive episodes achieved “clinically significant improvement” with narrative therapy.

At Treatment Solutions, narrative therapy is one of the many advanced counseling techniques you’ll find at our facilities. Don’t put off a happier, healthier life any longer — call us at 877-417-6237.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance — we can help you find the best source for narrative therapy. We also offer many affordable self pay options for obtaining narrative therapy.