Breaking the Stigma: How Therapy Transforms Recovery from SUD
- Mitchell O'Brien
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Welcome
For many people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), the idea of seeking therapy can feel like an impossible step... not just because of the challenges of recovery, but because of the stigma that surrounds mental health support. Society often paints therapy as a sign of weakness or a pointless exercise. For someone like me, raised in an environment of toxic masculinity, practices like gratitude lists or daily affirmations seemed uncomfortable, even embarrassing, at first. However, through therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I discovered tools that significantly changed my life, enabling me to build a stronger, healthier path in recovery. In this post, we’ll explore the myths that fuel therapy stigma, share my own journey, and highlight the real, evidence-based benefits of therapy for people with SUD.
"Trauma is like a fart. It smells bad when you let it out and sometimes some shit comes with it. But you always feel better after." —Unknown
A Personal Journey: How Therapy and Practices Changed My Life
Growing up in a world that equated emotional vulnerability with weakness, I was skeptical about therapy. The idea of sitting down to talk about feelings—or worse, writing gratitude lists or reciting affirmations—felt foreign and uncomfortable. But when I started my recovery from substance use disorder, I gave CBT and DBT a chance, and they became game-changers. CBT helped me identify and reframe the negative thought patterns that fueled my substance use, giving me practical ways to handle triggers. DBT taught me how to regulate my emotions and tolerate distress without turning to substances. Even more surprising was how gratitude lists and daily affirmations, though awkward at first, shifted my mindset. Writing down things I was thankful for each day helped me notice the small wins in recovery, while affirmations like “I am capable of change” rebuilt my self-esteem. These practices, rooted in therapy, weren’t just exercises—they were lifelines that transformed how I saw myself and my recovery.
Section 1: The Stigma Surrounding Therapy
Myth 1: Therapy is only for the “weak” or “broken”
Many believe seeking therapy means admitting defeat. For someone with SUD, this can feel like another layer of shame, as if they’re failing at recovery.
Myth 2: Therapy is just talking, not solving
Skeptics often dismiss therapy as merely endless venting without results, ignoring its structured and goal-oriented approaches.
Myth 3: Therapy is a one-size-fits-all fix
People assume therapy is the same for everyone, not realizing it’s tailored to individual needs, especially for SUD.
Impact on SUD Recovery
Stigma can discourage people from seeking help, leaving them feeling alone and stuck in their recovery journey.
Reality Check
If you feel discouraged or think "Only the weak need therapy", you're experiencing a toxic programming most likely from how you were raised - or - societal stigma. Either way, believing that authentically seeking help for recovery and wellness is a shameful weakness IS A LIE. Striving for and making moves towards a healthier lifestyle, physically or emotionally, is courageous. If no one is saying they're proud of you for the moves you're taking for your wellness... I am. I personally know it's not easy but you're doing a damn good thing that may be saving your life!!
“One of the cardinal features of cognitive therapy is that it stubbornly refuses to buy into your sense of worthlessness.” —David D. Burns
Section 2: The Benefits of Therapy for SUD Recovery
Benefit 1: Building Coping Skills
Therapies like CBT and DBT teach practical tools to manage triggers, cravings, and stress without turning to substances.
Benefit 2: Addressing Root Causes
Therapy helps uncover underlying issues—like trauma or anxiety—that may fuel substance use, paving the way for lasting change.
Benefit 3: Strengthening Relapse Prevention
Through motivational interviewing and relapse prevention planning, therapy equips individuals with the strategies they need to stay on track.
Benefit 4: Creating a Supportive Space
A therapist serves as a non-judgmental ally, helping individuals rebuild their self-esteem and navigate the challenges of recovery.
Section 3: Real Stories, Real Impact
Many clients, like myself, find that therapy helps them rediscover their sense of purpose. Refaming negative thought patterns has personally changed my life. Much like a new medication, it can take time to see if you mesh with your therapist. Remember, there's zero shame in realizing that you may need a different therapist and trying someone else. You're trying to discover what/who works for YOU. But, just like how you may need to try a few medications to help depression or anxiety, you may need to try a few therapists before finding a good fit.
Therapy complements other recovery tools, like support groups or medication-assisted treatment. For myself, I needed therapy (CBT & DBT), a peer recovery coach, and the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) shot Vivitrol. They all worked together to facilitate the change I desired in my life. Therapy is also where I learned ALL the healthy coping skills that work for me that I use daily now.
“The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain.” —Gabor Maté
Conclusion
The stigma around therapy can feel like an impenetrable wall, especially when societal pressures—like toxic masculinity—tell us that seeking help or embracing practices like gratitude and affirmations is a sign of weakness. But my own journey with CBT, DBT, and these simple yet powerful practices proved the opposite: therapy is a path to strength, resilience, and transformation in SUD recovery. By challenging myths and embracing the benefits of therapy, you can unlock tools to heal, grow, and thrive. If you’re hesitating, know that taking that first step—like I did—could change your life. What’s one small action you can take today to explore therapy or a new practice for your recovery?
Be a "man" and give therapy a good try. Like or comment on your experience below, and as always, until next time.
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