Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the evidence-based treatments commonly used to treat drug and alcohol addiction. It’s used because it is very effective and can help provide individuals with the tools they need to change their thinking and behaviors. So, what is cognitive-behavioral therapy? At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use CBT to help our patients reframe their thoughts. Utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, holistic care, and medications, it is often possible to restore health and mental wellbeing.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is a type of psychological treatment used to treat both drug and alcohol addiction along with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. When used properly, CBT can improve function in daily life while also improving quality of life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on a few specific principles:
- Many with addiction or mental health disorders stem from poor, unhelpful, and faulty ways of thinking.
- Many times, these problems come from learned behaviors or patterns that are unhealthy.
- Those who struggle with these problems can learn to cope with them.
- Symptom relief comes from changing thought processes and improving thinking patterns to avoid unhealthy or unhelpful behavior.
By changing thought patterns using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, it’s possible to stop negative behaviors such as using drugs, self-doubt, and poor self-confidence.
What Are Typical Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques?
Therapists use a number of techniques to help foster changing thought patterns and processes. This may include teaching a person to recognize that their thought processes are unhealthy or unrealistic. It is often necessary for people to learn how to recognize the initial thoughts that typically lead to negative behaviors, such as self-doubt or inaccurate thinking about their circumstances.
From there, therapists work to help individuals learn how to use problem-solving skills to deal with challenges. It is very common for people who have addictions to turn to these substances when they are faced with intense situations, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or work-related problems. Providing a way to deal with this in real-time to avoid negative outcomes is critical.
In addition to this, those receiving CBT may also learn how to face their fears instead of avoiding them or worsening their anxiety about those fears. They may engage in role-playing to work through some of their most difficult situations. Other times, they will engage in activities to calm the mind and relax even while facing intense stress. All of this can contribute to improved mental health and confidence.
CBT Is One Treatment Solution We Offer
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy in terms of a person’s overall addiction treatment? CBT is just one component of the care a person receives at our location. Whether through in-person or telehealth, our team works with individuals to teach the strategies needed to change negative thought patterns. They also learn how to engage in life with more confidence.
Among CBT, we also offer a number of other evidence-based treatment programs. These work alongside CBT to help restore health. Some of what we offer includes:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual therapy programs
- Group therapy programs
- Family therapy programs
- Neurofeedback therapy program
A combination of these programs can often lead to healing and improvement of quality of life.
Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today for Help
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used treatment options, but CBT isn’t the only option for many people. Utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques along with other holistic and evidence-based treatments, our team at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can offer the support needed to overcome addiction. To learn more about treatment options, call us at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online now.