Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How Does CBT Addiction Treatment Work?

When it comes to addressing substance use disorders, CBT helps people address problematic thoughts and feelings associated with drug and alcohol behavior. This treatment focuses on teaching those recovering from addiction to find connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and increase their awareness of how these factors can impact their recovery.

Generally, cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Grief
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship problems
• Sleep problems
• Stress
• Substance use disorders
• & More

CBT for substance abuse shows that many harmful actions and emotions are not logical or rational. These feelings and behaviors are often linked to past experiences or environmental factors, such as the person’s home environment.

When a person with a drug or alcohol use disorder understands why they feel or act a certain way – and how those feelings and actions lead to drug use and drinking – they’re better equipped to overcome their addiction. The CBT therapists at our inpatient drug rehab help clients identify their negative “automatic thoughts.” An automatic thought is based on impulse and often comes from misconceptions and internalized feelings, such as self-doubt and fear.

Often, people try to self-medicate these painful and disturbing thoughts and feelings by drinking or using drugs. By continually revisiting distressing memories, those in drug or alcohol treatment can reduce the pain caused by them. Clients at our Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also learn new, positive behaviors with which to replace their substance use. CBT for substance use disorders is a problem-specific, goal-oriented approach that focuses on patients’ current challenges, thoughts, and behaviors.

In CBT therapy, patients at our rehab learn to:

• Avoid generalizations, all-or-nothing thinking, or thinking in extremes
• Challenge underlying assumptions that might be false
• Describe, accept, and understand rather than judge themselves
• Develop self-awareness
• Distinguish between facts and irrational beliefs
• Face their fears rather than avoid them
• Focus on how things are rather than how they think they want them to be
• Gain a better understanding of other people’s actions and motivations
• Identify problems more clearly
• See situations from different perspectives
• Stop fearing the worst
• Stop taking the blame for everything that happens to them
• Understand how past experiences can affect their feelings and beliefs

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for addiction treatment also helps those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse deal with these triggers in three key ways:

• Recognize: Identify which circumstances lead to drug or alcohol use
• Avoid: Remove yourself from triggering situations whenever possible or appropriate
• Cope: Use CBT techniques to address and alleviate emotions and thoughts that may contribute to drug or alcohol use

Specialists at our Clearbrook facilities can help patients identify their current problems rather than dwell on the past. By doing so, they’re taking a proactive approach to change negative thinking and behavior and support their recovery.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Mental Health

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of our mental health services, providing a powerful tool for addressing a range of psychological issues. CBT is designed to help individuals understand and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health challenges. Many people struggle with distorted thinking that can exacerbate their symptoms and prevent them from finding relief. Through CBT, patients can learn to identify and challenge these harmful thought patterns, fostering healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT is particularly effective for addressing underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. By focusing on changing negative thinking and behavioral patterns, CBT helps individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. This approach not only aids in symptom reduction but also enhances overall mental well-being.

For individuals navigating mental health challenges, CBT provides practical strategies to handle daily stressors and emotional difficulties. It prepares patients to cope with life's challenges in a healthier way, promoting resilience and improved quality of life. Our treatment plans are personalized to address the unique needs of each individual, adapting as they progress on their mental health journey. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step towards improved mental health, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.