Addiction is a disease that affects millions of Americans each year. Those struggling with substance use disorders often search for the best ways to abstain from using drugs or alcohol. Due to medical progress and the increased understanding of how addiction works, it is now known that addiction is treatable with the right approach. There are a wide variety of proven treatment modalities, but one of the most effective treatments is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Before starting this type of treatment program, it’s good to know exactly how it works and how it helps people with addiction.
If you or someone you care about is looking for the right treatment program for substance use disorder, we at Promont Wellness can help. Our licensed therapists and medical professionals are experienced in treating a variety of addictions and mental health disorders. We can determine the proper treatment program for your specific needs, ensuring that you have the best chance of success. We focus on individualized, patient-focused care so that we can best serve our community in Southampton, PA. To learn more about how we can guide and support you through your recovery journey, reach out to our admissions team at 866.545.9552, and we can answer any question you have about treatment.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a kind of psychotherapy. In contrast to traditional therapy, where clients are taught new and helpful ways of coping with psychological distress, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients how to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns. The core principle is that these negative thought patterns lead to negative emotions and behaviors and, eventually, psychological distress. By changing these thought patterns to more positive ones, the idea is that positive emotions and behaviors will follow.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to treat disorders such as:
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Addiction
People who struggle with substance use disorders are often incapable of making positive changes due to a deeply negative mindset. Because cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts to more healthy and positive thought patterns, it is effective in improving a client’s outlook regarding their own ability to get through recovery. For many people, this is the key to being able to stop using drugs or alcohol. As part of the treatment program, clients are also taught skills that support long-term recovery.
According to the CBT approach, addiction can be treated by focusing on replacing self-destructive thoughts of substance use with more positive, adaptive thoughts. When used to treat addiction, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying thoughts, associated feelings, and the events that trigger those thoughts and feelings so that both client and therapist understand what is causing the substance use. From there, the client can begin to push away the roadblocks to changing their behavior for the better.
At the same time, the therapist teaches the client better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and cravings so that they can prevent relapses. Over time, healthier behaviors become more and more associated with positive emotions and become easier to perform. In the end, the goal is sustainable long-term recovery from substance use. Some of the main skills that are taught to clients in a CBT program can include:
- Cognitive restructuring
- Journaling
- Relaxation and stress reduction techniques
- Thought records
- Behavior activation
- Mindfulness practice
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and each client’s cognitive-behavioral therapy program can be tailored to their unique situation.
Begin a CBT Program at Promont Wellness
At Promont Wellness, we offer CBT, as well as other evidence-based therapies, in our addiction treatment programs. We understand that addiction is a disease that can be treated, and we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan to help you reach your sober goals. Our streamlined admissions process allows us to serve the Southampton community as quickly as possible. Call us today at 866.545.9552 or fill out our online form, and we can answer any question you have regarding treatment programs for addiction or mental health disorders.
