CBT For Addiction Recovery: A Complete Guide
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy that has become embedded in many of the most successful addiction rehab treatment centres. CBT for addiction recovery is widely recognised for its effectiveness in helping individuals change harmful behaviours and thought patterns.
Used, in addition to group therapy, which remains the foundation of treatment, CBT for addiction recovery is a very useful tool in helping people identify negative thoughts and dysfunctional behaviours.
CBT can, for some, be used as an outpatient treatment and may not require residential treatment. Notably, CBT for addiction recovery is also accessible outside of inpatient settings.
CBT for Addiction Recovery: What is it?
CBT involves working, on a one to one basis, with a specially trained and qualified therapist. In many cases, CBT forms the core of approaches to addiction recovery.
The core principal is to assist you to change the way you think about situations and your reactions to them. By applying what you have learned in therapy, you can make different decisions and more positive choices. This is a key part of utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction recovery effectively.
What is the theory behind CBT?
The core principal of CBT is a belief that what you think, how you feel and how you behave are all linked together. From this the theory is that you become trapped in a vicious cycle. The aim of treatment with CBT is to break free from this cycle, to help you change the way you think which will change the way you behave. For many people seeking recovery, CBT for addiction recovery is fundamental in breaking patterns.
The main aims of CBT for addiction recovery are to:
What are the main components of CBT?
There are three main components of CBT and all can support those going through addiction recovery using the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Enable you to identify and and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours
- Provide you with alternative, more constructive, coping strategies
- Help you to regulate your emotions in a more positive way
CBT for addiction Recovery: How does it Help?
CBT is effective because it utilises a goals based approach. For those in addiction recovery, CBT makes tangible progress possible.
When someone is in the grips of addiction, it can be almost impossible to visualise the the steps you are taking to recover. Active addiction clouds your brain. CBT for addiction recovery helps clarify and break down these steps for long-term rehabilitation.
CBT gives you goals that you can measure. Goals that can be achieved and also recognised.
When you complete a goal this will provide further motivation and spur you on to the next. You will grow stronger as you move through them. CBT methods, especially for addiction recovery, build self-confidence step by step.
Why is it used in rehab?
CBT complements group therapy because it addresses negative thoughts. It is a key part of many rehab programs focused on addiction recovery through cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
In group therapy you will hear others speak, as they will hear you speak and you will discover how negative thinking is holding you back.
CBT is a one to one process where you can role play new behaviours that can get you firmly on a trajectory of recovery.
CBT for Addiction Recovery:What Are the Elements of CBT?
There are six elements of CBT, which is a stepped model. You move through the steps with your therapist. Each one has a specific purpose, and this structure benefits addiction recovery using CBT techniques.
Assessment
This is the first element where you and your therapist will get to know each other in preparation for addressing addiction recovery through CBT sessions.
Your therapist will ask you questions about your addiction and how you feel about it. They do this so they can get a good understanding of how your addiction is affecting your thinking and how it affects your behaviour.
Reconceptualization
This is your opportunity to think about your addiction in a different way. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, many people use reconceptualisation to support addiction recovery.
You might be addicted to alcohol because you feel your life is a failure and you have not achieved anything.
Negative thoughts about yourself perpetuate your addiction. If you see yourself in a better light, so the light at the end of the tunnel becomes brighter. Secondly, CBT for addiction recovery provides tools to challenge and reframe these negative beliefs.
Skills acquisition
Now that your therapist has got to know you and you are starting to see yourself in a more positive light, it is now time to learn new skills that can stop you returning to past behaviours. These skills, when developed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction recovery, give you new ways to cope, how to navigate difficult situations or a combination.
Application training
This is the time to put your skills to the test! Using role play, within the safety of a therapy session, you will undergo a series of exercises that will prepare you for when you finish treatment. Addiction recovery often depends on CBT application training for lasting results.
Generalisation and maintenance
The penultimate stage of the process this involves a more generalised application of your new skills. These sessions are about keeping your skills fresh with continued practice, especially after CBT for addiction recovery.
Post treatment follow up
The final phase utilises a follow up assessment after rehab (if you have residential treatment) . This is to check in to see how you are using your new skills related to CBT for addiction recovery.
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