Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach used as part of addiction recovery programs. However, there are many different types of CBT, all with proven effects in treating addiction. But what are the different types of CBT, and how do you know which one is best for you?
What Is CBT?
Laguna Shores Recovery Center utilizes CBT as a form of psychotherapy. It helps people understand their destructive or disturbing thought patterns and gives them the tools to reframe this. This form of therapy is used to treat many illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and even marital problems. Unlike other talking therapies, CBT helps you focus on your current challenges as opposed to your past experiences.
By doing this, you will improve your state of mind by bringing awareness to the link between your feelings, actions, and thoughts. Addiction is a complex issue that is driven by a variety of factors. Such factors include genetics, environmental influences, and psychological and emotional issues. CBT is an effective form of therapy for addiction because it helps reframe any negative or occurring patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.
One of the key principles of CBT is the belief that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. By changing negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to cope with negative emotions healthily.
Different Types of CBT
There are many different types of CBT. It’s important to know that each session will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
According to the National Library of Medicine, these are the different types of CBT:
- Cognitive Restructuring: This type of CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to
their substance abuse. - Exposure Therapy: This type of CBT involves gradually exposing individuals to the substances or situations that trigger their substance
abuse in a controlled environment, with the goal of helping them learn to cope with cravings and triggers in a healthy way. - Motivational Interviewing: This type of CBT helps individuals to explore and resolve their ambivalence about changing their substance abuse behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This type of CBT combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. It is often used in the treatment of individuals with substance abuse issues who also have a co-occurring mental health disorder.
- Contingency Management: This type of CBT uses rewards and incentives to encourage individuals to maintain abstinence from
substance abuse.
All of the different types of CBT have the same end goal. This goal is to help people replace unhealthy and damaging thoughts, behaviors, and choices with new and healthy ones. This is particularly effective in addiction when people feel they can’t change and have accepted their addiction as staying with them forever.
Benefits of CBT
One of the main benefits of CBT is that it is a short-term treatment. This means it doesn’t take years to work; it is effective over a short period. Many have reported that they have seen a drastic change in their life just a few months.
These are the benefits of using CBT to help addiction:
- Short-term:Those with addiction need help now. CBT is a great option because many people can experience a major improvement in their addiction within a few months of starting treatment.
- Flexible:This treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, making it effective for all who have a wide range of substance use issues.
- Evidence-based:Unlike some therapies, there is a wide range of evidence to support the effectiveness of CBT, particularly in addiction.
CBT can also be used in a variety of settings, including individual and group therapy sessions. Another major benefit of CBT is it works well combined with other forms of treatment, such as medication and support groups, providing a comprehensive treatment plan.
Different Types of CBT: How Do I Know Which Type of CBT Is Best for Me?
Your trusted professional or therapist will tailor a unique CBT plan for you based on your needs. This will be determined through a questionnaire and physical and mental examination.
During a session, you and your therapist work together to:
- Identify specific problems
- Set realistic goals
- Achieve the goals within predetermined time points
However, motivational interviewing (MI) has been proven to be very effective in treating addiction due to the nature of this treatment. This type of CBT looks at the pros and cons of a habit and aims to set goals for change. MI can be particularly transformative for you, as it allows you to identify and change your habits which could be influencing your addiction. At Laguna Shores Recovery Center, we understand the importance of dealing with negative habits first, as they act as major recovery roadblocks.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional. Laguna Shores Recovery Center uses cognitive-behavioral therapy as it can be an effective treatment option for individuals looking to overcome substance abuse and build a healthier and substance-free life. CBT is a proven short-term talking therapy designed to help you overcome addiction. Our effective CBT program has already transformed so many lives, and you are no different. You deserve a life of peace, freedom, and joy. Don’t wait to feel this. Please call (866) 774-1532 to discover how you or your loved one can be part of our strong recovery community.
