• 12-Step facilitation therapy, which was designed to help people become familiar with and engage in 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This form of therapy is based on principles of acceptance, surrender, and active participation in 12-Step groups. In general, research supports the efficacy of 12-Step      facilitation therapy and 12-Step groups in helping people maintain recovery.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which was developed as a way of addressing maladaptive behaviors, such as substance use. CBT is based on the theory that thoughts influence emotions which influence behaviors. A person who      receives CBT will learn to identify and challenge negative, incorrect, or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs,  that result in unhealthy behavior, and will also learn relapse prevention strategies, such as self-monitoring to identify and deal with cravings. The goal is for the individual to identify these negative thoughts, develop ways to adopt positive thoughts      which can then positively impact their emotions and behaviors into more healthy and adaptable actions toward their recovery. Clinical evidence shows CBT is effective for addiction and can be even more powerful when combined with medication or other types of behavioral therapy.

• Contingency management (CM), which works via principles of positive reinforcement to produce behavioral change. In CM, people receive motivational incentives, such as tangible prizes, in exchange for  passing milestones or attaining goals. This may include negative drug tests or regular therapy attendance. Research shows that CM can increase abstinence as well as keep people in treatment.

• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and motivational interviewing (MI). MET is a form of therapy that uses      principles of MI to help a person identify and increase their internal motivation to quickly achieve desired goals. This can help strengthen a person’s motivation to change by promoting a sense of self-efficacy, in that a person feels that they are in control of their lives and have the ability to make changes. MET has been shown to be effective in helping patients remain engaged in treatment.

Remember: Addiction recovery is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Seek support from loved ones, participate in self-care activities, and remember that you're not alone in this process.

ExpatTherapyHub.com connects individuals with qualified therapists experienced in addiction treatment. Our affordable online therapy platform ensures that those living abroad can access consistent, culturally sensitive support to manage addictive disorders effectively. ExpatTherapyHub.com also has an online support hub that offers relevant blogs, book recommendations, support booklets on addiction  and other downloadable resources such as podcasts and latest mental health news and research.

Most countries in Asia have 12 Step fellowships offering daily group support. If you're living in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have a good selection of meetings and you can normally find dedicated 12 Step recovery meetings listed online.