Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Recovering from drug addiction or an alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process that can have its challenges. It isn’t uncommon for people to relapse in times of high stress or when faced with the things that may trigger urges to use the substance in question. For that reason, it is important that people who are suffering from addiction enroll in a rehab program such as the individualized, extended-care programs at True. Our clients receive addiction counseling and can take advantage of beneficial therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction or CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction is one of the most common and effective forms of therapy that one can undergo.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that addresses a person’s thoughts, circumstances, actions, and physical and mental feelings, and it examines how they interact and affect one another and the situations that the client is in.
In an alternative rehab program such as True’s, CBT for substance abuse or addiction can help our clients better understand how these factors compel them to use alcohol or drugs.
By making this connection, the client can better identify problem thoughts or feelings and the situations that they cause. Not only is cognitive behavioral therapy for substance abuse, but it is also used in treating mental disorders. This is important, as mental health issues can and often do accompany drug and alcohol abuse. CBT for addiction is carried out by a highly trained therapist either on a one-on-one basis or, if the client feels comfortable, with a small group.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
During an initial session of cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction, professional therapists work with their clients to identify what factors are resulting in the use of drugs or alcohol. This is important because understanding what triggers the urge to use is key to prevention.
Once the detrimental behaviors have been identified, additional sessions typically involve training clients on how to recognize these triggers and how to react or respond in a way that does not involve the use of alcohol or other substances. This is one of the most important aspects of CBT for substance abuse, as the client and therapist develop coping strategies and positive behaviors.
At True, replacing negative behaviors with positive ones is a key part of our programs: We make it our goal to encourage our clients in identifying new interests or developing those that may have been sidelined by substance abuse.