What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT as it is oftentimes referred to, is a “talking” therapy or psychotherapeutic approach to alcohol and drug addiction as well as numerous mental disorders. It is a goal-oriented, systematic procedure that solves the problems involved with dysfunctional behaviors, cognitions, and emotions which are commonly at the root of many addictions. Conversely, they may develop from the individual becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs.
CBT components
In order to understand how a cognitive behavioral therapy drug treatment program works, you have to be aware of the components that it is comprised of. The following components of CBT are the reasons why this is such a successful therapy where addiction treatment and recovery is concerned:
CBT is brief – many types of psychotherapy can involve a lengthy process whereas as CBT functions much quicker. Significant improvement is seen quickly by both the client and the therapist. The typical CBT session lasts 16 weeks. However, considering the other phases of an addiction and recovery program, 16 weeks is only a part of the total time involved.
CBT is client-centered – the job of the therapist in a cognitive behavioral therapy drug treatment program is to ask the client questions about their desires, goals, and problems. The therapist must then listen to everything the client says in response to those questions so that they can help them:
- realizing that there are alternative ways of thinking about certain elements of everyday life
- teaches them specific methods and techniques that encourage changing their thought processes
CBT is evidence-based
By no means is cognitive behavior therapy an abstract concept. All forms of CBT use evidence based-techniques and sound scientific techniques.
How is CBT used to treat alcohol and drug addiction?
Up until a decade or so ago, CBT was used primarily to treat depression and insomnia. It was also used for the treatment of anxiety and emotional disorders. But now it also plays a significant role in addiction treatment and recovery, hence the recent implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy drug treatment programs in these facilities. The primary part of the treatment involves teaching the client new thought patterns regarding addiction.
The purpose is to teach the individual how to recognize those situations that can trigger their drug use and how to avoid a potentially harmful situation
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