If you have never heard of cognitive behavioral therapy or you do not know what it is, we are going to give you an overview of what it is, what the benefits are, and how it is used in alcohol and substance abuse recovery.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy began in the 70s; it can be used in both group and one-on-one therapy sessions. It can be combined with other therapies as well to help addicts achieve and maintain recovery.
CBT concentrates on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and offers patients with the managing abilities essential to refrain from triggers and avoid relapse. It is a goal-oriented healing method that targets maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotions and promote positive change. It is a plan that is customized to the patient.
Treatment with CBT
Once the therapist works with the client to assess their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts that can initiate or exacerbate the patient’s troubles the therapist will come up with a plan. There are 7 strategies in CBT these include:
- Setting goals
- Setting agenda
- Relaxation
- Problem solving
- Behavioral activation
- Homework
- Relapse prevention
Working through these 7 strategies can help the patient change their perception about themselves, their problems, how they handle those problems, and the world around them. It is important that they change the negative feelings and thoughts to positive ones.
The process can be mentally tough for some to look at their behavior, thoughts, and feelings especially when it comes to themselves but it is part of the strategies. In order to know how to change those things, you have to be willing to, be honest in exploring them.
Benefits and disadvantages of CBT
There are both benefits and disadvantages to CBT.
The benefits include:
- Can be used in both private and group settings
- Helps the client learn how to change their harmful behavior and self-destructing patterns
- Teaches skills and strategies that can be used in everyday life
- Provides coping mechanisms to help deal with stressors that could cause relapse
The disadvantages include:
- The patient has to be willing to commit to the process and work on it to learn the skills they need to reduce the risk of relapse
Helping each client surmount every trial on the road to recovery is our greatest goal, here at 449 Recovery. We believe that healing is best obtained in an environment that will encourage it. The endless monitored detoxification, in conjunction with long term treatment programs that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at 449 Recovery are provided in a caring and structured atmosphere. Our goal is to execute practices that will leave a lifelong impact on the recipients. We aim for no one to leave unchanged, but for everyone to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle. Procrastination is the enemy of success, so please give us a call at (855) 435-7449 to gain more insight about our all-inclusive alcohol and drug addiction treatment program today