Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) For Rehab Centers
Medically reviewed by
Debra Wallace, MA.Ed, LPCC-S, LICDC-CSMarch 11, 2019
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a relatively new approach to treating addiction that works by changing the way a person may think about a situation. Instead of having a negative outlook, individuals learn how to turn that into positivity in order to experience an effective recovery from drugs or alcohol.
If you are a person facing alcoholism or addiction to another drug (or if you know someone who is), you are probably searching for the best forms of treatment possible. Rather than opting for rehabilitation, striving for recovery, then falling into relapse, you want things to be different. But how?
Advancing research has opened doors to effective treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The following information will detail what CBT is and why it might be a perfect part of a drug rehab program that fits your needs.
Negative Thoughts, Negative Feelings, Negative Actions
The theory behind CBT starts with the following notion: Destructive emotions and behaviors stem from the root of destructive thoughts. In other words, if a person has a negative thought process, then his or her feelings and actions will directly reflect that negativity.
CBT recognizes that people get stuck in a vicious cycle of inappropriate thoughts, emotions, and actions. However, this form of therapy offers a path to healing.
Forever Lost?
You might think that this seems too good to be true, but in the case of CBT, the depressing saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is thrown out the window.
People dealing with addiction feel as if they are trapped in chaotic thought patterns that bring on their addictive tendencies. This is an honest reality. But, truth also rests in the fact that it is not too late to develop new and healthy habits that bring positive outcomes.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Explained
Scientific research has concluded that the majority of behaviors and emotions are learned. The point of CBT is to re-learn how to garner the patient’s desired feelings and actions. Here’s how:
- Address Concerns: Which behavior and feelings are worrisome?
- Acknowledge Thoughts: What type of thoughts are happening and how can they be redirected?
- Establish Goals: What type of feelings and actions are desired for a healthy life?
Will I Do This On My Own?
Not completely. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is facilitated by a therapist or counselor.
Rather than the stereotypical talk-it-through therapy session, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is focused on education. The ultimate goal is not to have a therapist tell a person what to do or what not to do; the goal is for a therapist to provide an educational outlet for a person who wants to change their lives for the better.
By coming to a recognition of specific strategies intended to awaken the mind to complex thought processes, a person can begin moving forward by developing new thinking skills. CBT is all about having a greater awareness of oneself and the strong link between one’s mind, emotions, and behavior.
The Framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps a person acquire the skills to:
- Think critically and problem solve
- Cope with temptations to use or drink
- Enhance motivation for sobriety
- Strengthen commitment to recovery
- Develop skills to refuse alcohol or another drug
- Create a plan for successful thoughts that encompasses everyday experiences
Therapies That Include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Many rehabilitation facilities incorporate CBT into an addiction treatment program. However, sometimes CBT is included within a specific type of treatment too. These treatment modalities include:
- Dialectic Behavior Therapy
- Rational Living Therapy
- Rational Behavior Therapy
- Cognitive Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Rather than feeling bombarded by the various approaches to drug treatment noted in this list, it is important to know that CBT is widely accepted as a successful means of treatment. CBT is so effective that its principles are included in multiple treatment forms.
Contact Us To Learn More
If you know that you or a loved one is plagued with negative thoughts that fuel addictive tendencies, then CBT is a great option. However, the process of achieving freedom begins with contacting an expert to help point you in the right direction. You do not have to seek treatment alone or find a rehabilitation facility on your own. Contact us today to find a rehabilitation center near you. We can give you the key to unlocking the door to a new path to life. Recovery is only a decision away.
