Intensive detoxification and rehabilitation provide multiple ways to address addiction and the reasons behind our behavior. From yoga to mindfulness to therapies that develop new habits, all of these have a place in addiction counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, however, has emerged as a leader in thought-based therapy. Intended to challenge behavior and develop accountability, committed participants are known to benefit over a relatively short period giving CBT the reputation of being a highly solution-oriented form of talk therapy.
What is CBT Based On?
Founded by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, at its core, CBT believes our thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. Through identifying harmful and unhelpful thoughts, it is possible to develop strategies to overcome and challenge them once and for all. In this way, dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are consciously and deliberately uprooted and modified through identification and challenge.
CBT’s focus on problematic thought patterns helps us with several different types of thinking patterns, including:
- Fixed or rigid thinking
- Overgeneralization of our opinions
- Negative thinking patterns
- Negative approaches the positives
For example, in addiction recovery terms, we might tell ourselves we are doing great today, so we’re bound to fail tomorrow, ultimately setting ourselves up and making excuses for a relapse tomorrow.
Who is CBT Appropriate For?
CBT can help everybody from children to adults, addressing multiple mood and substance abuse disorders. Because of its relatively quick effectiveness, CBT has become the preferred technique among practitioners and insurance companies.
As a working adult with responsibilities ranging from family to professional accountability, CBT can be an excellent approach. There is little time to take off from careers for many working adults running businesses and holding key positions within their company. The idea that counseling may take months or even years before results are seen or felt can be off-putting. Because CBT generally takes between 30 to 90 days to complete, provided it is the most appropriate method for an individual, it makes an attractive form of support counseling for many working adults unable to disengage from professional or executive level responsibilities.
Is CBT One of Those Childhood Obsessed Therapies?
CBT does ask questions related to family; however, this is to gain a better insight into the entire person. CBT is more concerned about who you are now, including your present circumstances and emotions as they are today. Not a lot of time is spent rethinking past events. In this way, CBT allows for more immediate results as we learn to address concerns without catastrophizing everything popping into our heads efficiently.
I Have an Addiction Disorder. Can CBT Help Me?
CBT originates around the notion that harmful behaviors such as substance use disorder require the development and practice of using substances. CBT, at its core, believes those habits can be unlearned. By identifying problematic behavior, followed by the ceasing or changing of the behavior that led to substance use, we can learn to replace it with a healthier habit or skill.
CBT sessions at Oceanfront Recovery begins by pairing you with a therapist specializing in this form of therapy. During an initial assessment, questions asked of you are meant to gain insight into your addiction and your attitude or thought processes toward it. Providing honest answers is essential as they provide the basis for developing your goals in empowerment, skill development, and self-development.
Although longer sessions may take place, each session lasts between forty-five minutes to ninety minutes. Your sessions may be held in a group setting, one to one, or a mixture of both. Your support counselor will determine this.
I Hear CBT Encourages Accountability. Is This True?
Because CBT encourages you to create your own goals and communicate how you see your future self, it requires effort. At its core, CBT encourages us to think about our thought processes, developing skills that can prevent the occurrence of future relapse episodes.
CBT helps in the following ways:
- Work with your therapist toward the goals you set
- You think about your triggers, developing an increased level of awareness. From there, you can begin building coping mechanisms.
- The decisions leading to your behavior are explored so you can avoid destructive or harmful thought patterns that will continue to harm you.
- Focus on cognition or thought process helps us become more self-aware. This helps us avoid peer pressure when returning to family, work, and life in general.
- CBT skills set is meant to continue helping us for the long term
If we are committed to long term management of our addiction and willing to hold ourselves accountable, working toward our goals, CBT may be a good option. Other additional holistic therapies might also be beneficial; however, learning to identify emotions and triggers may help control impulses leading to relapse.
Emerging as a leader in thought-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy challenges behavior and develops personal accountability. Compared with other treatments, participants can benefit over a relatively short time giving CBT the reputation of being a solutions-oriented form of talk therapy favored by clients, practitioners, and insurance companies alike. Change your story. Change your life. Your safety and privacy are always protected. At Oceanfront Recovery, we are proud to offer various specialized services to facilitate individualized recovery and clinical detoxification for busy professionals and adults. Supporting your commitment to get clean, stay clean and discover healthy lifestyle alternatives, our modern, attractive facilities nestled in the laid-back community of Laguna Beach offer ample opportunity for you to restore your professional and family life. Caring case managers, counselors, and wellness staff are there to support your commitment to recovery in an accessible, practical, and affordable environment. Calling Oceanfront Recovery today may be just what you need to change your story, and possibly, your life. We can’t wait to meet you. (877) 279-1777
