Substance Use Disorder Therapy in Fresno:
Healing the Body & Mind

Recovery from addiction is about more than quitting substances—it’s about taking back control. Learn how substance use disorder therapy can help here.

Table of Contents

The Role of Substance Use Disorder Therapy

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that affects individuals as well as their families, communities, and the very fabric of daily life.1

At its core, SUD involves a recurrent use of substances, such as alcohol or drugs (illicit or prescription), that causes clinically significant impairment.
This may include:
  • Health problems
  • Disabilities
  • Difficulty meeting responsibilities at work, school, or home
The good news is—if you or a loved one is struggling with SUD, there is hope. Here’s what you need to know:
substance use disorder therapy

Substance Use Disorder Therapy at New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, we believe the path to healing begins with understanding. We recognize that the brain’s reward system plays a powerful role in the development of SUD.2

Over time, substance use can rewire this system, tricking the brain into seeking artificial highs instead of authentic joy.
That’s why our approach goes far beyond managing symptoms. We combine evidence-based clinical therapies with holistic healing practices to address the root causes of substance use disorder and reawaken natural pathways to pleasure, connection, and purpose.

At New Life Recovery, we offer a full continuum of care – all on one campus – ensuring that every client receives the support they need at every step. Recovery should feel like coming home to yourself, so our mission is to help individuals rediscover how to love life on life’s terms.

Why Therapy is Essential for Treating SUD

Addiction is often a response to unresolved trauma, unspoken grief, chronic stress, or co-occurring mental health conditions.3 Substance use may start as a way to cope, to numb, to escape. Over time, it becomes a pattern — a cycle, a way of life.
That’s why therapy is essential.
At New Life Recovery, we understand that healing requires more than detox or abstinence. It requires looking beneath the surface. Through substance abuse therapy, our clients explore the why behind use, confront difficult emotions, and begin untangling thoughts and experiences that fuel addictive behavior.

Substance Use Disorder Therapy in Central Valley, CA

Within substance use disorder therapies, our licensed clinicians work closely with each resident to:4
  • Address the psychological and emotional roots of addiction, including shame, anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma
  • Identify and treat co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders, which often go hand-in-hand with substance use
  • Explore environmental and relational factors—family dynamics, community influences, or cycles of neglect—that may have shaped the individual’s relationship with substances
  • Teach healthy coping mechanisms that replace old patterns with new ones—tools that support emotional regulation, stress management, and long-term resilience

Types of Substance Use Disorder Therapy

No two stories of addiction are the same, so healing shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
At New Life Recovery, we offer a variety of substance use disorder therapy approaches designed to meet people where they are, including:

Individual Therapy

This is where deep, personal healing begins. In one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist, clients unpack their unique experiences, struggles, and triggers. It’s a space for honesty and self-discovery—free of shame and full of possibility.

Substance use disorder therapy plans are personalized to each individual’s history, needs, and goals. Sessions focus on understanding thought patterns, building emotional regulation skills, and creating a roadmap for lasting change.

Group Therapy

Healing happens in connection. Group therapy provides clients the opportunity to speak their truth, listen deeply, and grow together in a supportive environment.
Led by experienced clinicians, these sessions promote vulnerability, accountability, and mutual learning. Clients share lived experiences, gain perspective, and practice communication skills essential for real-life recovery.
Group dynamics encourage a sense of belonging, a reminder that no one is alone in this journey.

Family Therapy

Addiction often impacts the entire family system. That’s why we invite loved ones into the healing process.

Family therapy focuses on repairing relationships, addressing unhealthy dynamics, and rebuilding trust. We help families learn how to support recovery in healthy, sustainable ways. Through guided sessions, both clients and their families gain tools to communicate more effectively and move forward together.

Evidence-Based Therapies for SUD Recovery

Healing happens when people are seen, heard, and supported. At New Life Recovery, our evidence-based therapies are rooted in clinical research.5
These approaches help individuals address the underlying causes of substance use, build emotional resilience, and create a future for sustainable recovery:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

When we shift our thoughts, we can shift our lives. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps clients identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns that often drive substance use.

Through guided exercises and reflective work, clients learn how to reframe thoughts, reduce cravings, and adopt healthier behaviors. CBT provides practical strategies that support real-world decision-making and long-term relapse prevention, empowering individuals to take back control of their lives.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

For those navigating intense emotions and co-occurring mental health challenges, Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers structure and hope for those seeking substance use disorder therapy. DBT teaches skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

These skills are practiced in real-time, helping clients create space between impulse and action. Over time, DBT nurtures emotional balance, builds stronger relationships, and encourages a deeper sense of self-acceptance.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, non-judgmental approach that encourages clients to explore their own reasons for change.
Rather than forcing motivation, MI helps individuals uncover it within themselves. It builds confidence, clarifies values, and strengthens the belief that recovery is worth it. By aligning actions with goals, MI becomes a powerful catalyst for change.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy challenges the beliefs that keep people stuck in cycles of shame, guilt, and self-sabotage. REBT works by identifying irrational core beliefs and systematically replacing them with thoughts rooted in reason and self-compassion.
With this substance use disorder therapy, clients learn to shift their inner dialogue, building resilience against the negative self-talk that often accompanies substance use. They may not control every circumstance but can always control their response.

Relapse Prevention Therapy

Sustaining recovery means preparing for life’s inevitable ups and downs. Relapse prevention therapy equips clients with insight, skills, and strategies to navigate challenges without returning to substance misuse.
Clients learn to identify personal triggers, high-risk scenarios, and emotional warning signs. Together with their therapist, clients will develop action plans:
  • Manage their cravings
  • Strengthen their support networks
  • Stay grounded in their recovery goals
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Holistic Approaches in Substance Use Disorder Therapy

Recovery is the presence of peace, purpose, and connection along with the absence of substances. At New Life Recovery, our holistic therapies are thoughtfully integrated into the treatment process to support healing on every level: mind, body, and spirit.

Here’s what you can expect:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Slowing down helps us tune in. Through guided meditation, breathwork, and present-moment awareness, clients begin to quiet the mental noise that often fuels anxiety, cravings, and emotional overwhelm.
These practices increase emotional awareness and create a sense of spaciousness between trigger and response. Over time, mindfulness fosters a calm, centered perspective that supports sobriety, emotional regulation, and self-compassion in everyday life.

Art and Music Therapy

Sometimes healing speaks through color, rhythm, and sound. Art and music therapy offer safe, expressive outlets for emotions that are often difficult to articulate.
Whether through painting, drawing, songwriting, or simply listening, clients are invited to explore feelings and memories in a nonverbal, creative way with this substance use disorder therapy.
These sessions nurture emotional release, help rebuild personal identity, and reconnect individuals with the simple joy of self-expression.

Yoga and Movement Therapy

The body carries stress, trauma, and emotion, and movement helps release it. Yoga and movement-based substance use disorder therapy create a gentle, restorative way to reconnect with the body and process emotions somatically.

These practices build physical strength, inner resilience, and body awareness, helping clients feel more grounded and in control. Whether through stretching, balance work, or intentional movement, clients experience a powerful shift: from disconnection to empowerment.

Nutritional Counseling

True healing requires a nourished body. Substance use often depletes essential nutrients and disrupts physical health, which affects mood, energy, and recovery outcomes.
Nutritional counseling at New Life Recovery focuses on replenishment, balance, and healing. Clients receive personalized guidance on how to fuel their bodies in ways that support brain function, emotional stability, and long-term wellness.

The Role of MAT in SUD Recovery

For many, Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) offers a crucial bridge between early recovery and long-term stability. When used responsibly and under medical supervision, MAT can reduce the physical roadblocks that keep people stuck.
By stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT creates a foundation upon which individuals can build lasting clarity of thought, free from the cognitive fog and preoccupation of addiction.
This newfound mental acuity fosters confidence as individuals regain control over their lives, make healthier decisions, and rebuild relationships. Consequently, MAT becomes a crucial pathway towards holistic wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being.

Reducing Withdrawal and Cravings

Early recovery can feel overwhelming. The physical discomfort of withdrawal and the persistent tug of cravings can make it difficult to stay grounded in the work of recovery. MAT helps ease these challenges by reducing withdrawal symptoms and lowering the intensity of cravings.
With fewer physical disruptions, clients are better able to stay present in therapy, engage in meaningful relationships, and focus on their emotional and psychological healing.

Commonly Used Medications

Every medication is chosen based on each person’s unique history and clinical needs:6
  • Buprenorphine: Helps reduce withdrawal and cravings without producing a full opioid effect
  • Methadone: A long-acting medication that blocks euphoric effects while stabilizing brain chemistry
  • Naltrexone: Works differently by blocking opioid and alcohol effects, reducing the urge to use

All medications are prescribed and monitored by experienced professionals who take time to educate, support, and adjust treatment as needed.

A Comprehensive, Integrated Approach

At New Life Recovery, MAT is never seen as a standalone solution. It’s one piece of a comprehensive recovery journey that also includes evidence-based therapy, holistic practices, and deep personal exploration.
When integrated into a full treatment plan, MAT can serve as a powerful tool on the path to healing. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in their treatment, with regular check-ins to ensure their plan continues to meet their evolving needs.
Ultimately, MAT supports not just symptom relief, but lasting clarity, confidence, and wellness.
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Choosing the Right Substance Use Disorder Therapy

Every individual brings a different story, set of challenges, and personal strengths. That’s why choosing the right therapeutic approach is essential to long-term recovery.
Here’s what you need to know:

What to Consider When Exploring Treatment Options

The right therapy meets you where you are. When selecting a treatment plan, it’s helpful to look at:
  • The nature of the addiction—including type, duration, and severity
  • Co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
  • Readiness and motivation for change, which can evolve over time
  • Support systems, including family, friends, and community involvement
  • History of previous treatment attempts and what worked—or didn’t
Understanding these layers helps lay the foundation for a plan that’s both personal and effective.

How New Life Recovery Customizes Care

At New Life Recovery:
  • Our clinical team takes time to understand your full story before building a treatment plan.
  • We blend evidence-based modalities, holistic approaches, and, when appropriate, MAT, into a flexible, personalized roadmap for recovery.
  • You’ll be paired with a team that walks beside you through the highs, lows, and everything in between, adapting your care as your needs evolve.

The Power of Continuum of Care

Healing doesn’t end after 30 days of substance use disorder therapy. It is a journey that requires support at every stage. We provide a continuum of care, from residential treatment and outpatient therapy to aftercare planning and alumni connection.

This long-term approach helps bridge the gap between treatment and real life, allowing individuals to build confidence and stability over time.
With ongoing guidance and clinical insight, clients are set up for sustained success—not just sobriety.

Ready to Reclaim a Life You Love?

Beginning your journey with New Life Recovery is simple and supportive. Our team will guide you through a compassionate assessment process to understand your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options.

You do not have to navigate recovery alone. Call us at 559-717-5433 or contact us online today to take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered life.


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