Network Therapy

Network Therapy is a specialized talk-therapy that helps you understand your past substance use to better avoid it in the future. This happens in 8 parts: 

Part 1. Recruit a Network: After you meet with the therapist, you’ll begin recruiting loved ones to build your network. Usually, this starts with your significant other (if they don’t abuse drugs or alcohol). 

Part 2. Assess the Network: Therapists speak to potential network members to see if they are a good fit. For example, your ex would not be an acceptable candidate if your current partner was also a member. This could easily cause competition for your affection during sessions instead of focusing on sobriety. A family member who was more interested in therapy for themselves would also not be acceptable. 

Part 3. History Taking: You, your network, and your therapist will begin talking about the history of your drug or alcohol abuse. Including when you started using, when it got out of control, and what finally led to getting help. For the most accurate history, all network members will answer these questions. 

Part 4. Functional Analysis: You and your network will explore your past relapses. This includes your thoughts, emotions, interactions, and life circumstances before a relapse. Your therapist can then help you and your network understand the sequence of things that led to drug-seeking. Sometimes these are things that wouldn’t have been obvious without looking at different perspectives. 

Part 5. Skill Building: Similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, your therapist will help you learn ways to avoid the thoughts, feelings, circumstances, or people that led to past relapses. Or they will help you learn skills to cope with these things if they are not avoidable. 

Part 6. Communication Skills: You and your significant other or loved one learn to recognize and avoid toxic communication. By learning ways to communicate your partner becomes more able to help you deal with relapse triggers. 

Part 7. Social Support: Your therapist will show your network how to support your new skills and habits. This includes helping you avoid things that might cause you to relapse, helping you practice techniques to deal with addiction-related thoughts or emotions, or attending events or group support meetings with you. With time, your network becomes an extension of your therapist. 

Part 8. Maintenance: Network members are encouraged to reward behaviors that they believe support your treatment or long term sobriety. Rewards can be gifts, meals, a sober night out, or quality time together.