What is cognitive behavior therapy?
Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, is a type of mental health treatment used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, other mental health disorders, and drug addiction.
Research has proven that CBT is effective and helps people end harmful addictions, stop repetitive negative thoughts, and control impulsive actions. From eating disorders to alcohol use disorder, CBT is often recommended when people seek treatment.
This treatment method became popular among mental health specialists in the 1960s. Since then, CBT has made many advancements and is now a standard treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
How does CBT help treat addiction?
The main goal of CBT is to change negative thinking patterns. Practitioners of CBT are guided by several principles.
According to the American Psychological Association, some of CBT’s core principles are:
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT does not focus on past experiences, but rather focuses on the patient’s current actions and state of mind. While other types of therapy focus on childhood trauma, CBT is more concerned with how a patient’s current thoughts or actions affect their daily life.
During treatment CBT, therapists help patients recognize distorted thinking and evaluate their thoughts. Then, the therapist will help the patient use problem solving skills and teach them specific techniques to combat negative thoughts, patterns, or behaviors.
Preparing for potentially bad situations through role play is one way CBT attempts to help people get over their addiction. For example, the therapist might pretend that the patient is near their drug of choice and have them act out different techniques to avoid the drug.
Often, CBT is combined with medication and other types of therapy to provide better treatment.
Find CBT drug addiction treatment in Houston, TX
CBT has a high success rate in treating addiction and helping to prevent relapse. The experienced providers at Taylor Recovery Center, a rehab in Houston, TX, are skilled in treating addictions of all kinds with CBT.
Like many others, CBT can help you end your drug dependence and become sober. We’re here 24/7 and ready to help you. Call 713-557-8573 or complete our online form to learn how we can help.
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