Psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment
Effective treatment of addictions and other mental health disorders requires an integrated approach - combining psychotherapy with psychiatric support when needed.
In practice, addictions often co-occur with other difficulties, such as mood disorders, anxiety, sleep problems, impulsivity, or concentration difficulties. These symptoms can hinder the recovery process and increase the risk of relapse.
Therefore, pharmacological treatment can be an important complement to psychotherapy - helping to stabilize mental functioning and create conditions for effective work on change.
Psychotherapy remains the key element of treatment, as it enables understanding of the mechanisms behind the problem and introduces lasting changes in thinking, experiencing, and acting.
Two pillars of addiction treatment at Nasz Gabinet
- Psychiatric consultation (pharmacological treatment)
- Psychotherapy
Psychiatric consultation - diagnosis and pharmacological treatment
A psychiatric consultation is a meeting with a psychiatrist aimed at assessing mental health, establishing a diagnosis, and - if necessary - implementing pharmacological treatment.
In addiction treatment, psychiatry plays a particularly important role, especially when other mental health disorders co-occur, such as:
- mood disorders (e.g. depression),
- anxiety disorders,
- insomnia,
- personality disorders,
- withdrawal symptoms or intense substance cravings.
How a psychiatric consultation works
During the visit, the psychiatrist:
- conducts a detailed interview,
- assesses mental and somatic symptoms,
- analyses the history of the problem and previous treatment,
- proposes an individual treatment plan (pharmacotherapy, further diagnostics, possible referral for psychotherapy).
Pharmacological treatment does not replace psychotherapy, but often supports it - stabilizing mood, reducing tension, and improving sleep quality.
Psychiatric consultation - who is it recommended for?
- individuals struggling with addiction,
- individuals with heightened anxiety, low mood, or sleep problems,
- individuals after relapse,
- individuals beginning treatment and needing a diagnosis,
- individuals experiencing mental health difficulties requiring psychiatric support.
Psychotherapy - treatment and psychological support
Psychotherapy is a structured therapeutic process aimed at lasting change in the Patient's functioning - at the level of behaviours, emotions, and beliefs.
It is the primary form of treatment for addictions, particularly when:
- there is a feeling of loss of control,
- the problem is long-term or recurring,
- health, family, or professional consequences have emerged.
Psychotherapy is also an effective form of help for individuals who are not struggling with addiction but are experiencing:
- emotional difficulties,
- life crises,
- relationship problems,
- chronic stress, anxiety, or low mood.
Specialists conducting addiction psychotherapy
Sessions are conducted by qualified specialists - psychologists, psychotherapists, and addiction specialists with appropriate education and clinical experience. This allows for:
- conducting an in-depth psychological assessment,
- understanding the mechanisms of difficulties and their causes,
- tailoring the form of work to the Patient's individual needs,
- guiding the therapeutic process towards real change.
The addiction psychotherapy process
During psychotherapy:
- we identify the mechanisms of difficulties and functioning patterns,
- we work on changing behaviours, beliefs, and coping strategies,
- we teach emotional regulation and stress management,
- we strengthen a sense of agency and responsibility,
- we support the rebuilding of relationships and daily functioning.
In the case of addictions, the process also includes:
- working on maintaining abstinence,
- recognizing relapse signals,
- developing alternative coping strategies without resorting to a substance or behaviour.
Psychotherapy is often conducted alongside psychiatric treatment - depending on the Patient's needs.
Psychotherapy - who is it intended for?
- individuals struggling with addiction,
- individuals after detoxification or experiencing relapses,
- individuals in a life crisis,
- individuals with emotional difficulties (anxiety, stress, low mood),
- individuals having relationship difficulties,
- loved ones of addicted individuals.
