Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Negative thoughts and behaviors are barriers to overcoming addiction and experiencing long-term sobriety. Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, is a safe and effective mental health approach that helps people overcome these challenges.
What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Addiction?
CBT is used by therapists to help people better manage their mental health conditions. Some of the issues that are addressed with CBT are:
- Self-defeating beliefs
- “All or nothing” thought patterns
- Feeling powerless
- Belief based upon a lack of control over behaviors
Why is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Addiction Important?
The thought patterns that are treated with CBT have been linked to anxiety [LINK], addiction and depression. CBT is an activity-based approach in which the therapist guides the client in keeping a journal of thoughts and participating in exercises. The goal of CBT is to give the individual a new self-perception that facilitates addiction recovery.
What Does Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Addiction Involve?
CBT is a general term that describes several techniques used in therapy to help with distorted thought processes. Specific goals of the treatment may be:
- Helping a person recognize negative thinking that is behind the addiction
- Developing new behavior skills in lieu of drugs and alcohol
- Replacing unhealthy thoughts with more adaptive thoughts
- Educating the individual on the power of perception
How Do I Know If I Need Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Addiction?
Only a trained mental health professional can determine if CBT is the right treatment approach for your addiction recovery plan. If the initial assessment reveals a negative thought pattern behind your dual diagnosis and addiction, we will explain how CBT can empower you to make better choices and achieve sobriety.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a powerful tool used by mental health professionals in the field of addiction recovery. The approach helps substance users learn new behaviors and thought patterns. To learn more about CBT and our other treatment services, contact us today to schedule an assessment.