Substance addiction has become a very delicate issue in society today; hence the need for cognitive-behavioral therapy arises. CBT is based on helping people to correct the way they think and behave based on their feelings. At the moment, there are various psychotherapy programs available for patients seeking to break the cycle of addiction. These evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy programs assist patients in identifying the reasons behind the addiction and providing a safe path on how to solve concurrent problems. Some of the CBT treatment programs we offer include Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive, Multimodal, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, among a list of others. In this article, readers will learn about the diverse treatment options that are utilized in our practice to tackle substance abuse and dependency.

What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that aims at helping people deal with substance addiction. During psychological treatment, the therapist and patient are required to build a cordial relationship through talking and active interactions, which helps to promote healthy behaviors. Unlike other therapies, the purpose of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to address the elements that led to drug abuse in the first place and is based on the cognitive model. Research indicates that the skills individuals learn through cognitive-behavioral approaches remain after the completion of treatment.

Underlying Concepts

Since thoughts, feelings, and behavior are all connected, a cognitive behavioral therapy program is designed to control the thoughts and behaviors of drug abusers. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance abuse disorders underlying concept is based on identifying the current problems that led to the addiction and finding the best solutions to them. Our specialists also teach drug abusers on different ways to relate with others, and how to modify their beliefs to prevent relapse in the nearest future.

Several Books Placed On The Table

Evidence Base

According to reports, in terms of addiction and substance use disorder, Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered as a treatment standard in modern psychotherapy ― Most of the other psychotherapies showed to be more or the same as CBT.

Also, according to a test carried out, the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders on 2,340 patients produced noticeable results and, CBT is said to be a current standard for treatment.

Treatment for smoking addiction found that coping skills, which were partially based on CBT techniques, were highly effective in reducing relapse in patients.

These are few out of the numerous evidence-based practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy that shows that the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy is indeed an effective treatment option to confront substance abuse.

Components

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance abuse consists of three stages. In order to combat substance addiction, our therapists start by identifying the problematic beliefs and emotional responses of the patient. From there, patients can clearly see how their negative thoughts and feelings are contributing to substance abuse and maladaptive behaviors.

The second part of CBT treatment entails our therapist teaching patients new relational skills and new coping skills that can be put into good use in real-world situations.

Finally, our addiction specialists in ASWH lecture the patient on how to start having healthy conversations with family, friends, and acquaintances. By so doing, people can learn ways to avoid having negative thoughts and feelings that can trigger a relapse. The patient will often be given homework to complete during the cognitive-behavioral therapy cycle.
While CBT is considered a short-term form of psychotherapy, patients should not expect swift results. Overcoming unhealthy behaviors and thoughts can take some time.

Patient Receives Psychological Help From A Specialist

What Types of Therapy

CBT has shown to be among the most effective interventions for substance abuse. It consists of a wide range of treatment approaches. These different types of cognitive-behavioral include:

  • Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Introduced and developed by Albert Ellis, a psychologist, REBT involves identifying irrational beliefs and thoughts that usually lead to negative emotional behaviors. Once these beliefs have been identified, our therapist goes ahead to develop strategies and patterns to help the patient.
  • Cognitive Therapy: Cognitive Therapy is a short-term psychotherapy treatment that centers on outlining and correcting the patterns of thinking and behavior behind people’s difficulties. Specialists from Rehab Center also assists in the prevention of irrational thinking and emotional distress, which all contribute to substance addiction.
  • Multimodal Therapy: Multimodal therapy concept is based on the notion that humans think, interact, and act, and as such, various psychological treatment should be administered to address each of the modalities mentioned. Multimodal therapy involves seven different dimensions which are namely behavior, affect, sensation, imagery, cognition, interpersonal factors and drug/biological considerations.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of program with the main goal of teaching drug abusers on how to live healthily, and regulate their emotions without having distorted thoughts.

Though each of these approaches has it’s own distinct processes, they all work towards identifying the patterns that contribute to substance abuse, and with the collective effort of the therapist and client, the cycle of addiction can be broken.

CBT And Substance Addiction Treatment

Cognitive Therapy is a heterogeneous treatment that meets the specific needs and personality of each patient. CBT and substance addiction treatment involves a combination of two therapeutic approaches, which are cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.

During the treatment, the team of specialists spends most of their time analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of every patient to ensure the perfect treatment approach is administered. Though patients must be willing to do some self-examination, it is worth every effort in the long run. It helps patients manage their problems and prevent them from having a negative impact on their lives even after treatment.

Our rehab center offers cognitive-behavioral therapy for people who want to stop abusing substances. Compared to other types of treatment, a cognitive-behavioral therapy program is a proven treatment option that meets the needs of most people ― since it involves a direct and user-focused treatment approach in tackling substance abuse.

Find Out How We Can Help

Cognitive-behavior therapy is a very effective psycho-social treatment that helps people change their behaviors and thoughts towards improving their general mental health. If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse and would like to learn more about CBT, call our representatives. If you also have questions concerning drugs and alcohol addictions, do give us a call.

    1. NIDA. (2018, January 17). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
    2. Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A. The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res (2012) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23459093
    3. McHugh, R & Hearon, Bridget & Otto, Michael. (2010). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. The Psychiatric clinics of North America. 33. 511-25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45090254_Cognitive_Behavioral_Therapy_for_Substance_Use_Disorders