If you are considering options for seeking treatment of a substance use disorder for you or someone close to you, you may encounter references to something called “cognitive behavioral therapy” or CBT. You might see it described as a form of psychosocial intervention incorporating elements of cognitive and behavioral psychology.
And after reading that description you might say: Huh?
Put simply, CBT can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Once you have a better understanding of those connections, you can begin to find solutions to your immediate problems. To help with that process, CBT is structured and goal-oriented with a focus on current concerns. It differs from other forms of therapy in that it is a short-term commitment—CBT is generally completed in 12 to 16 sessions or as part of a rehab program–rather than a commitment to months or years of therapy sessions.
CBT: Helpful in Addiction Treatment and More
CBT has proven effective in helping those with substance use disorders better manage their condition. That, in and of itself, is a good thing. But that’s not the only potential use or benefit.
This goal-focused therapy is also widely used to help treat a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and phobias. As a result, it can be particularly useful in treating individuals who enter treatment for a substance use disorder who also have co-occurring diagnoses.
For those who tend to react more intensely to difficult situations, there is a variation of cognitive behavioral therapy known as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Again, that sounds more complex than it is. DBT simply involves adding concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, and distress tolerance to the standard CBT techniques. As a personalized treatment plan is developed for your or a loved one, your healthcare team will determine whether CBT or DBT is a good fit.
Okay, But How Does It Work?
The two key components of CBT are functional analysis and skills training.
Functional analysis is the process of figuring out what led up to or caused a current difficulty. For example, via functional analysis, a person might come to realize that they began drinking too much alcohol as a way to cope with work-related stress. Getting clarity about the root cause of a difficulty is an essential step to overcoming that difficulty.
Skills training is the process of developing healthier ways to address the issues that are uncovered during functional analysis. To continue our example, the person who realizes that job stress is an underlying contributor to their misuse of alcohol may attempt to find a new position, to earn a promotion, or even to change careers entirely. CBT helps create the conditions for a person to take the steps necessary to improve a negative situation.
Your CBT experience might include:
- Careful consideration of the pros and cons of continued substance use
- Identification of the situations that might make you more susceptible to misuse of drugs of alcohol
- Development of a plan to help you avoid high risk situations
- Adoption of self-monitoring strategies that keep you aware of dangerous cravings
- Making a plan for coping with cravings when they do occur
- Discussion of the ways in which all-or-nothing thinking or dwelling on negative thoughts can undermine your recovery
While you are in rehab, CBT might be incorporated into both group and individual therapy sessions. In a group setting, CBT can help people feel less alone or like their problems are unique and therefore insurmountable. In an individual setting, CBT is a helpful tool for digging more deeply into issues that are particularly difficult.
CBT is a Tool, Not a Cure
It is important to keep in mind that CBT won’t simply cure you or your loved one of a substance use disorder. Indeed, substance use disorders are chronic illnesses for which there are no cures. However, CBT is a powerful tool that can help you create a firm foundation upon which to build lasting sobriety. CBT can help during your initial rehabilitation, help lessen the chance of relapse, and help you get back on your feet if relapse does occur.
Want to Talk About CBT ASAP?
Anabranch Recovery Center provides substance use disorder treatment that is personalized for each person who comes to our facility. We’ll determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy could provide benefits to you during rehab and beyond. CBT is among the many tools and resources we have at our disposal to ensure you or your loved one receives high quality, supportive care and the resources you need to maintain long-term sobriety. If you need help, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
