How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treats Addiction
Addiction is a complex disease impacting the body and the brain. It takes time to form, and it takes time to overcome. Therapy has proven essential in helping people overcome addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that empowers people to build a stronger, healthier future.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the theory that the development of poor behavioral patterns happens as a result of learning processes. A person learns, over time, to engage in these behaviors. CBT employs strategies to identify and then change these behaviors to help stop the need to use drugs. It can also be used to address the many complications that often occur alongside addiction.
The Importance of Coping Strategies
One of the parts of CBT is the development of effective coping strategies. A common situation for a person who is using drugs, for example, is that they engage in negative thoughts that lead them to drug use. In CBT, a person learns how to anticipate problems and stress so that they can exercise better self-control when situations become difficult.
One thing a therapist might do is help a person explore the positive and negative outcomes of any situation. If a person continues to use drugs, what could happen to them? From there, it is possible to develop strategies for coping with cravings, such as knowing how to get help or how to remove themselves from a triggering situation.
During treatment, a person learns what types of situations or experiences put them at risk for engaging in negative behavior. They may recognize, for example, that every time they are around certain people, they are more inclined to use drugs or alcohol. They may learn to recognize that the stress of their job often makes it feel necessary to stop for a drink. Identifying these triggers enables a person to create a plan to avoid them.
This therapeutic strategy provides hands-on, real-life steps to take in these situations. For example, after a stressful day at work, a person recognizes their emotional state and makes the decision to workout at the gym instead of stopping for a drink. Or, they learn to go a different route home so they do not feel compelled to stop for a drink where they normally do.
What Are the Benefits of CBT for Addiction?
During CBT, a person works with their therapist to create customized solutions and strategies for managing addiction and stress in daily life. That means the treatment you receive is always specific to your needs. Some of the core benefits that come from this include:
- Creating real strategies to employ in daily life: Learning specifically what to do when you feel cravings or experience negative thoughts is empowering. It helps you to avoid harmful behavior.
- Confidence boost: Many people learn to build self-esteem and confidence using CBT. They learn to stop engaging in negative self-talk and start communicating their needs and desires, especially with family.
- Reducing anxiety: Having more control over your mind and body can help you relax, knowing that you’ll be better able to avoid making decisions that compromise your health.
- Identifying triggers: Once a person leaves therapy, recognizing triggers becomes a central part of their ability to avoid relapse. CBT ensures you know how to spot these potential risk factors before they can push you off the right path.
- Better strategies for managing life’s stress: There’s no way to eliminate stress from life. But with CBT, it’s possible to build a stronger, healthier future because you have better ways of managing stress.
CBT is one component of a larger treatment program. Take the time today to learn more about drug and alcohol addiction treatment in Lafayette, LA.