Cognitive-behavioral therapy is becoming quite valuable in treating drug abuse and alcoholism during addiction treatment. Started in the 1960s, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps people address problematic thoughts and feelings. CBT is effective because it not only helps with addiction, it helps with co-occurring disorders as well. It’s common for someone suffering from addiction to also battle depression or anxiety. 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that’s been a part of addiction treatment for more than 50 years. The goal of CBT is to help people take a look at the root causes that drove them to their addiction in the first place. Because it is hard to prevent relapses without getting people to address their issues directly, CBT is one of the cornerstones of addiction treatment. CBT is used to treat a variety of disorders as well. Anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can all be treated with CBT. 

How Does it Help in Addiction Treatment?

For those who suffer from addiction, there are a few ways in which CBT can help. One of the main reasons CBT was introduced into addiction treatment is because it helps prevent relapse. During CBT, addicts learn to pick up on their problematic behaviors and address them. The theory is that if someone can change their thinking and emotions, they can change their behavior as well. Drug addicts and alcoholics spend so much time numbing their feelings and not thinking. CBT helps bring awareness to recovering addicts. With their newfound awareness, recovering addicts are able to notice if they feel uncomfortable and want to use drugs. This gives the person time to stop, actively say no to using drugs or alcohol, and use a healthy coping mechanism to feel comfortable again. 

CBT is also effective in treating anxiety and depression. These disorders are extremely common in drug addicts and alcoholics. Often someone will treat their addiction but not their occurring disorder. A recovering addict suffering from panic attacks or depression is more likely to relapse. CBT can be thought of as killing two birds with one stone. 

What Are the Benefits?

There are several important benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy. First, this therapy can be tailored to meet people’s individual needs and circumstances. The treatment of addiction is just as varied as the people who suffer from substance abuse disorders. Next, CBT does not require anyone to take prescription medications. This allows people to avoid some of the unpleasant side effects that come with these medications. It also gets people comfortable opening up and expressing themselves because CBT is talk therapy. Finally, CBT is something someone can continue after treatment. There are plenty of people who do CBT on a weekly basis who’ve never struggled with addiction in the first place. Licensed therapists qualified for CBT are widely available throughout the United States. Because there aren’t any side effects, people can continue cognitive behavioral therapy for years if they’d like. CBT is one of the most effective treatment and recovery options for addiction.

Let us Help

At Laguna View Detox, we are a luxury drug & alcohol treatment program based out of the gorgeous area of Laguna Beach, CA. We utilize cognitive behavioral therapy during our treatment process. We are proud to provide detox and inpatient treatment options for addiction. Laguna View Detox shares a unique luxury program with its participants that combines traditional treatment and modern therapies to assist clients in overcoming substance abuse and maintaining sobriety in the future. To learn more about our services, please contact us today.