What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and How It’s Used in Addiction Treatment

Treating addiction requires the use of multiple types of therapy. Because no two individuals have the same addiction experience, no two individuals will have the same needs in recovery. Therefore, it’s necessary for addiction treatment programs to offer a wide range of therapies to meet the needs of patients. At Beaches Recovery, we understand the need to develop a customized plan to address each patient’s unique needs. One of the most effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, what is cognitive-behavioral therapy, and how does it help with addiction? It may shock some people to learn that treating addiction wasn’t the original purpose of this therapy.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

People define CBT in different ways. In short, it’s a type of talk therapy. For those who don’t know, talk therapy falls into the realm of psychotherapy. In the CBT approach to treatment, individuals work with licensed therapists to detect negative thinking patterns and learn to recognize negative self-image. Once realized, the patient and therapist work together to develop a plan of action that helps the individual revise their view of themselves along more positive and factually correct lines. It is a therapy designed to deliver practical results and is very goal-oriented.

The overall goal of CBT is to replace these negative thoughts with positive ones. CBT follows the theory that negative thoughts link to the root cause of people’s addictions or other mental problems. Negative thinking patterns leads to poor decision-making, which in turn creates undue stress that then increases the risk of substance abuse and other mental health issues. In fact, mental disorders typically come in pairs, which is why addiction often shows up with other disorders. For example, it’s not uncommon for addiction to appear in people who suffer from depression or anxiety.

History of CBT

Today, rehab centers use CBT to help people who suffer from addiction. However, treating addiction wasn’t the intended use of CBT. In the 1960s, psychologist Aaron Beck pioneered this therapy method. At the time, his intent was to treat people with anxiety and depression.

Later, experts found that depression, anxiety, and trauma contribute to the development of addiction. They also learned that understanding the negative thoughts that cause these conditions uncovers the root cause of addiction.

The Cognitive Triangle

The answer to, “What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?” will likely include something about the cognitive triangle. In fact, this triangle is the basis of CBT.

The cognitive triangle shows that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all influence each other. However, there’s no set path in which they influence each other. People’s feelings may influence their behaviors, which affect their thoughts. On the other hand, their thoughts may affect their behaviors, which influence their feelings. These three aspects are in a constant and dynamic interplay with each other.

Using this triangle, trained professionals help individuals in three main ways. First, they help them recognize negative behaviors. Next, they help them avoid situations that cause these negative behaviors. Lastly, they teach them to cope with their thoughts and feelings without using substances.

Let CBT Help You With Your Addiction

Knowing the answer to, “What is cognitive behavioral therapy?” is just the start. If you suffer from addiction, consider visiting rehab centers that offer this type of therapy. At Beaches Recovery, we offer CBT and other programs such as:

• Sober living
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Extended care
• Family therapy

Find the help that you deserve at a quality rehab center. Don’t let yourself or a loved one fall victim to the horror of drug addiction. Contact us today at 866.605.0532. We are ready to help you start your sober journey.