How Do CBT Techniques Help Conquer Addiction?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key component of many addiction treatment plans. CBT techniques are used to help identify self-defeating thoughts and change them. Many individuals with substance abuse disorders suffer from negative thoughts and destructive emotions. CBT is used to change harmful thought patterns so that the client can maintain their sobriety.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBT Techniques?

During an addiction, individuals may develop negative thoughts and habits. CBT techniques are used to explore these behavior patterns and change them for the better. With a therapist, clients work toward identifying harmful patterns. Afterward, they work to actively change the way they think and act. These useful skills help clients to handle triggers, stress and negative emotions after they have left rehab.

Beating Cognitive Distortions

In psychology, a cognitive distortion is when someone has a misconception or a flawed perception. During an addiction, patients often suffer from this type of outlook. They may generalize events and think of their past attempts at sobriety as a pattern of failure. Some patients think that their life can only be viewed in clearly defined, all-or-nothing categories. Other people suffer from a cognitive distortion where they focus too much on the negatives in life.

All of these thought patterns can be changed through conscious effort. The CBT techniques used in psychotherapy allow patients to consciously recognize their negative thoughts. Through these techniques, patients can learn how drug abuse played a role in their life and their motivations.

Techniques for Conquering an Addiction

Other than CBT, rehab centers may also use other techniques to support the patient’s recovery. Some of these therapeutic options include:

• Assertiveness training to help with relationship
• Addiction education to help spot triggers and cravings
• Relaxation training to reduce stress, anxiety and negative emotions
• Dual diagnosis treatment to care for co-occurring disorders
• Cognitive restructuring to help change thought patterns
• Yoga, music or art therapy to help improve coping skills

Many people use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with negative emotions. When they become sober, it is important to find new, healthy ways to handle negative emotions. Treatment options like yoga and meditation help to provide an outlet for stress and anxiety.

Do Rehab Centers Offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

As one of the leading therapy treatment options, CBT is offered by rehabs across the country. Before entering a facility, patients can discuss the types of treatments that they would like to have. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common treatment because of its effectiveness treating addiction.

In addition to a drug problem, some patients also suffer from a mental disorder. For these patients, dual diagnosis treatment can help. Once the patient has a diagnosis, CBT can be used for treating the addiction and the co-occurring disorder.

While conquering an addiction is not always easy, you can do it. With the right support, you can begin your journey toward sobriety. To take the first step on your journey, call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532.