Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Individual therapy is one of the most fundamental aspects of comprehensive addiction treatment. Participating in therapy can help people with substance use disorder (SUD) stop using drugs and alcohol. It can also give people the tools to avoid relapse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of therapy used to treat SUD. CBT techniques include identifying problems, developing coping skills, and working toward meaningful change.
This article will explore how CBT works and how this approach can support addiction recovery.
What you will learn:
- The principles of CBT
- The benefits of cognitive-behavioral treatment
- How the cognitive-behavioral approach supports recovery
- Where to find comprehensive SUD treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment center and programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specific type of talk therapy. Licensed mental health professionals may use this evidence-based treatment to help clients with various mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Relationship problems
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
A wealth of research, including randomized control trials, proves CBT’s effectiveness. Many mental health practitioners offer short-term CBT treatment to help clients make significant changes in their lives.
The Core Concepts of CBT
Several principles set cognitive behavioral therapy apart from other strategies. They are:
- Learned patterns of harmful behaviors can cause mental health problems
- Mental health problems are the result of faulty patterns of thinking
- People with mental health conditions can reduce disruptive symptoms through skill-building
The belief that negative thought patterns can affect behaviors is central to CBT. Practitioners guide people in recognizing their destructive thoughts and beliefs so that they can work toward change.
Some of the strategies of CBT include:
- Gaining a better understanding of others’ behaviors and motivations
- Increasing more confidence in your ability to problem solve and cope with challenges
- Recognizing how distorted thoughts can cause problems
- Learning to think differently about your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions
People learn to face fears head-on instead of avoiding them. They learn new ways to calm their minds and bodies. They may practice conflict management techniques through role-play.
Throughout their work in CBT, people learn new, healthy ways to cope with challenging emotions and beliefs. This can reduce high-risk situations and behaviors.
What are the Benefits of CBT?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has many benefits in a range of situations. Here are some of the advantages of CBT over other forms of therapy.
Solution-focused
Other forms of therapy tend to focus on identifying the roots of a person’s problems. The client and practitioner may spend a lot of time exploring the client’s past.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses exclusively on the present and the future. This approach helps people develop practical coping skills and problem-solve in real time.
Time-limited
Because CBT focuses on making changes in real time, it is effective in a time-limited setting. People may use CBT for just a few sessions before recognizing real changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Because CBT is time-limited, it is a popular therapy in rehab programs or other short-term settings.
Highly structured
Some forms of therapy encourage people to talk freely about whatever is on their minds. This type of therapy can be valuable but can also take a long time to affect change.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly structured and focused on results. The therapist and client work together to identify a specific goal. Then, they work in a structured way toward meaningful change.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in helping people to make changes in a short period. Mental health practitioners may use CBT in rehab and other time-limited settings. They may use this effective treatment alongside other types of therapy or on its own.
Understanding the Role of CBT in Addiction Treatment
People with SUD require comprehensive treatment to address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of their substance abuse. Individual therapy is a critical aspect of a comprehensive addiction treatment program.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy during a rehab program can help people make significant behavioral changes in a short period. Practitioners in a rehab program may offer CBT and other evidence-based therapies like contingency management. Practitioners may use CBT techniques in individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
People may also continue CBT treatment as part of their long-term relapse prevention program. Using CBT skills can help people stay active in their recovery after completing rehab.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you need at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more about using CBT in addiction treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders
- Oxford Academic: A Review of CBT Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
