Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Addiction Rehab
What Kind of Therapy is Used in Rehab?
It is widely accepted today that addiction is largely a psychological disorder. Therapy and counseling are important aspects of addiction treatment for this reason. There are many different therapeutic techniques and interventions across the mental health field. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common evidence-based techniques used to treat addiction.
Of course, there are many methods that can be and sometimes are used in addiction treatment. Two other upheld interventions for addiction are Motivational Interviewing and Behavioral Therapy. What is CBT all about, though?
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Rehab?
CBT is proven to be one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for treating addiction. This method focuses on correcting patterns of thought and behavior that are not healthy. A focus of CBT is the notion that thoughts, behaviors, and feelings all influence each other. So, to change an unpleasant feeling, you try to change the thoughts and behaviors that are related to this feeling.
First the therapist works to identify negative thought and behavior patterns in a patient. They also help the client learn to identify these patterns on their own. Then, together they work to correct these unhealthy patterns, by replacing them with healthy ones.
Cognitive Distortions of Addiction
A lot of attention is placed on cognitive distortions in CBT. These are perceptions a person holds that don’t accurately reflect reality. Often cognitive distortions are negative reflections on oneself, the rest of the world, or the future. Though there are many, a couple examples of cognitive distortions are:
Filtering: This is when a negative aspect of yourself or your situation is blown up and focused on, while all positive aspects are “filtered” out. For example, you may think “all I do is drink and ruin things; I’m a worthless person,” while the truth is that you have accomplished a lot of valuable things in your life when you weren’t drinking.
Jumping to Conclusions: This is when, without evidence, you assume the outcome of a situation, the way someone is feeling, or the reason behind someone’s actions. For example, you might predict “Even if I try my hardest, I’ll still end up relapsing.” This is not true, though, because you can stay sober with the right treatment, preparation, and effort.
Find CBT Treatment for Addiction
CBT in rehab works to correct cognitive distortions, as well as negative behavior patterns, in clients suffering from addiction. Call (520) 288-8484 to hear about CBT in rehab and how to find a treatment center.
If you can change the way you think about something, you can possibly change the way you feel about it. If you can change the way you behave, you might change how you feel or think. You can overcome addiction with the appropriate therapeutic treatments. Don’t give up.
