Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy used to treat a wide range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, alcohol abuse and personality problems. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion), and how we act (behavior) all interacts together.

CBT helps patients recognize why they are using alcohol or drugs and determine what they need to do to either avoid or cope with whatever triggers their abuse. This requires a careful analysis of the circumstances of each episode and the skills and resources available to patients.

In CBT, it is assumed that individuals essentially learn to become alcohol or drug abusers. During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, patients learn to respond in new, unfamiliar ways by practicing positive behaviors such as how to refuse an offer of drugs or how to break off a relationship with a drug-using associate. Patients develop meaningful alternatives to alcohol or drug abuse, that is, other activities and hobbies. The therapist also shows patients how to recognize and change a “conditioned response” i.e. using drugs after an argument with a spouse or having a drink after a bad day at work.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides the foundation for long-term recovery from addiction and co-occurring disorders by teaching the skills necessary for the patient to recognize and change the negative thoughts and emotions that lead to destructive behavior.