Like many addiction treatment facilities that offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a gold standard program, Laguna Shores Recovery Center has top-rated CBT therapists and experts. While you are considering beginning this type of therapy, maybe it is a good idea to get informed about its many benefits. 

Benefit #1: CBT Offers Structured Psychotherapy

You may have been to other types of talk therapy. Sometimes you are given the space to just talk about anything in life, especially situations or relationships that bring about stress. The therapist mainly plays a listening role while offering compassion and guidance here and there.

With a trained and experienced CBT therapist, the conversation can be very structured. The therapist will narrow down what tends to intensify your cravings or trigger your use of alcohol or drugs. You may still have the freedom and safe space to share life’s challenges as they relate to the risk of substance use. 

In this type of structured and guided therapy session, you will be led to explore and reflect on past experiences. A CBT therapist will follow some structured questions to guide the progressive development of these conversations. They have specific goals to achieve in each session. You just have to follow the lead and engage as responsively as possible.

Benefit #2: CBT Helps You Achieve More Self-Awareness

One key goal of CBT is self-awareness. This is a capability that has been compromised by past addiction. Self-awareness means having oversight of one’s own thoughts and behaviors, particularly as to how these thoughts and behaviors lead to negative consequences. Because long-term use of alcohol or drugs may lead to brain damage, a self-awareness deficit is very common among recovering individuals.

CBT is most effective in helping people become aware of their own negative thought patterns that may sometimes translate into harmful behaviors. Sometimes, these negative thoughts are based on cognitive distortions that need to be identified and corrected. Even inaccurate beliefs and implicit biases can form stubborn neurological pathways in the brain. 

Benefit #3: CBT Improves Self-esteem

Research shows that low self-esteem is one of the most common root causes of substance addiction. Self-esteem refers to how a person understands oneself as well as one’s self-worth. People with low self-esteem tend to place harsh judgments on themselves that are not based on objective facts. They may perceive the whole world in a negative light. 

Good CBT therapists are well aware of the connection between low self-esteem and substance addiction. They consider this area an essential one for recovery. If low self-esteem continues unaddressed, it will feed into the perpetual cycle of negative thoughts and beliefs. CBT therapists have designed tools to disrupt this pattern and challenge some untrue assumptions that a recovering individual may have about himself or herself. Hopefully, a successful CBT treatment can help you develop more confidence and a positive self-image.

Benefit #4: CBT Helps You Develop Effective Coping Skills

Identifying negative thought patterns is often the first step of CBT treatment. But what comes next? CBT therapists have a wide range of evidence-based techniques and tools, including coaching you in learning new coping skills. You will learn how to set personal goals in recovery, how to self-monitor negative thoughts and reverse course, and how to improve communication skills.

Coping skills and techniques are essential for recovering individuals who need to overcome past trauma (such as abuse or violence) while maintaining sobriety. Science has proven the effectiveness of many coping techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, gratitude journaling, and experiential therapy. 

Benefit #5: CBT Helps Prevent Relapses

Not only is CBT a gold standard in treating addiction but it is also considered an essential part of relapse prevention for good reasons. You need to understand the complexity and progressive nature of relapses. Often, people first experience emotional stress, which then leads to a mental relapse by craving relief through substances. Then if nothing stops him or her at this stage, these cravings will result in a physical relapse. 

CBT strengthens healthy habits that are useful to maintain sobriety. If you are good at managing stress, repairing relationships, and straightening lines of communication, then it is most likely that you can maintain sobriety for the long term. But life happens during recovery. When a loved one passes, or when you develop other health issues such as chronic pain, you can always consider CBT as an important part of continuous treatment. 

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, CBT is well-known for treating anxiety and depression, which are the most common triggers for substance use or relapse. CBT sessions can effectively motivate people toward long-term recovery. If you are looking for a top-rated and highly specialized CBT program, Laguna Shores Recovery Center has the best experts in the field. Help is just a call away.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an important and highly effective tool in addiction recovery. By addressing the underlying negative thoughts and feelings that lead a person to addiction, CBT therapists help people view their concerns from a new perspective. Recovering individuals also learn to regulate their emotions and become better at communication. Treatment centers around the United States utilize this therapy to treat their clients for addiction and other mental conditions. Laguna Shores Recovery Center has one of the best CBT programs. Our friendly staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 954-688-5806 to learn more and start your journey today! Help is here and now.