No matter who you are, your life is primarily defined by how you think and behave. Negative changes in these critical areas can increase your risks of drinking or taking drugs. They can also eventually contribute to the onset of clinical addiction. These facts help explain the widespread use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in modern rehab programs. When properly used, CBT can help you get to the roots of your struggle with drugs or alcohol. It can also help you create and maintain healthier patterns of thought and behavior.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – Defining CBT
What is CBT, and why is it used in substance treatment? The term refers to psychotherapy that focuses on two important things. The first of these things is cognition, i.e., the ways you think and feel from day to day. The second is the behavior that results from your cognitive habits and tendencies.
There are many different approaches under the CBT umbrella. To a certain extent, each of them relies on its own specific techniques. However, all CBT approaches are based on a common understanding that:
- Your thoughts and feelings help determine your behavior
- In turn, your behavior either supports or undercuts your well-being
- You can learn to identify thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviors that harm you
- Over time, you can develop healthier patterns that replace harmful ones
- As a result, you can improve your level of well-being
All CBT therapists rely on these principles to guide their treatment approach and interactions with you.
What Is CBT for Substance Problems?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a well-established treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). The definitions of these disorders include all criteria for clinical addiction. They also include all criteria for non-addicted, dysfunctional drug use, medication misuse, or alcohol abuse. Research shows that CBT can help you do crucial things such as:
- Increase and maintain your motivation to recover from a SUD
- Follow your treatment plan and make progress toward your recovery goals
- Identify the influences that make you more likely to use a given substance
- Cope with those influences in ways that help you maintain sobriety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used as a standalone SUD treatment. You may also receive other forms of help during your time in rehab. Some CBT programs feature individual therapy, while others feature group therapy. In addition, some programs include both individual and group options.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Mental Illness?
Technically, SUDs are mental illnesses. In addition, you may experience other kinds of significant mental health issues. If so, your recovery plan may also include CBT. That’s true because the therapy provides known treatment benefits for many of America’s most common problems.
The list of these problems includes major depression and other forms of depression. It also includes the family of illnesses known as anxiety disorders. CBT can also potentially help you recover from eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and PTSD. What’s more, it can also play a role in treating personality disorders. CBT’s tremendous flexibility makes it an excellent choice in a vast range of situations.
Get on the Road to Recovery With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Northpoint Colorado
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy? It’s a form of treatment that helps you change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors positively. Want more cognitive-behavioral therapy information? Turn to the experts at Northpoint Colorado. We have all the details you need on this versatile, effective treatment option.
Northpoint is also your source for quality CBT services. Every day, we use the therapy to support substance and mental health recovery. To find out more about how we use CBT, contact us today at 888.231.1281. We’re also available through our online contact form. With our help, a return to mental well-being is within your grasp.