Sustainable recovery takes more than medication-assisted treatment. In fact, it requires a comprehensive approach involving a variety of therapies provided by a licensed psychotherapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one approach to addiction treatment that is traditionally provided to clients in a residential or outpatient treatment program. This evidence-based treatment utilizes a set of techniques that the therapist applies to help you change your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that fuel addictive behaviors.
5 Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Therapy can be done in an individual or group setting. Here’s a look at five ways you or your loved one can benefit from it:
1. Promotes Behavioral Changes
The fundamental principle of CBT is that thoughts (cognitions) trigger your feelings and behaviors. Therefore, you are challenged to take back control of your life by changing your thoughts. Through a “rewiring” of the brain (cognitive restructuring or reframing), you’ll realize that it is your views or beliefs, and not people and situations, that cause your feelings, responses, and behaviors.
2. Improves Your Chances of Long-Term Recovery
The treatment addresses the psychological aspect of addiction by helping you to see the connection between substance abuse and thoughts or mental disorders. Incidentally, these factors are also addiction triggers. Being aware of these and other triggers allows you to control the narrative. Instead of going through with the urge to use, you can apply the coping skills learned in therapy to sustain your sobriety.
3. Helps You Cope and Solve Problems
This is another one of the important benefits of CBT and can be viewed as a relapse-prevention benefit. In CBT, the focus is on teaching you valuable skills you can use throughout your everyday life to cope with problems such as stress, negative thoughts, cravings, peer-pressure, and mental illness. You’ll learn a number of ways to cope, include exercising, journaling, mindfulness, talking to a trusted friend, and attending sober group meetings.
4. Is Effective for Co-Occurring Disorders
Many individuals struggle with their mental health alongside addiction. Substance abuse issues are often caused or reinforced by mental health conditions (co-occurring disorders), such as anxiety disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Both therapists and psychologists use cognitive-behavioral therapy at a mental health treatment center to treat these disorders and reduce the risk of relapse.
5. Provides Quick Results
CBT provides an accelerated way of breaking the cycle of addiction and building a solid foundation for recovery. Patients typically need to attend an average of 16 sessions. Treatment length is shorter compared to other types of therapies that may take months or years to produce results.
There are other benefits of CBT not mentioned here that you can discuss with your therapist during treatment.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Westwind Recovery®
We provide a full continuum of care to our clients at Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, CA. You or your loved one can go through medically supervised detox, residential addiction treatment, or outpatient treatment. Therapy starts after you complete detox. Your therapist will use the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy as a guide when designing a unique therapeutic approach for you or your loved one. Treatment is provided in a structured and non-judgmental environment.
Here is a highlight of some of our treatment programs, therapies, and services:
- Drug and alcohol detox treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Trauma therapy
- LGBTQ substance abuse treatment
- Holistic therapy (art, music, meditation, and adventure therapies)
Take Advantage of the Benefits of CBT As You Heal from Addiction
Altering your thought processes can lead to the positive changes you need to take back control of your life. Our addiction professionals at Westwind Recovery® are trained to help you achieve this through our programs, therapies, and aftercare services. Find out more by calling 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
