Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals change destructive thought patterns and guide them towards more positive, productive ones. Many people who have gone through substance abuse either started in order to self-medicate painful feelings or have developed symptoms of a mental illness due to their substance use; CBT has been shown as an extremely effective approach that can help people work towards their recovery by focusing on their mindset. Overall, the basic foundation of CBT is that our thoughts become our actions – if we can work on changing our thoughts to what will be the most meaningful and productive for our lives, we can match our behaviors and decisions around those thoughts. CBT has helped people with addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more.
A study published in the journal Psychiatric Clinics of North America emphasized that CBT can serve as a positive reinforcer for those with SUDs by either increasing contingency with non-use (such as a treatment center providing you with movie tickets or something similar as a reward for working towards your recovery goals) or by educating clients on relapse prevention strategies and tools to use when disturbing thoughts or cravings arise. CBT can assist with many aspects of one’s life, including:
- Building interpersonal relationships skills and ways of perceiving others and social situations
- Rehearsal in rejecting substances if offered
- Increasing a person’s ability to garner social support
- Strategies for coping with negative thoughts, feelings and experiences
- Tools for developing fun hobbies based on sobriety
Oftentimes, CBT works alongside other components of treatment including other holistic activities such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more, as well as alongside medication and other forms of therapy. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center today to learn more about CBT and how you can incorporate this into your treatment regime. It’s helped thousands of people, and it can help you, too.
The Guest House Ocala specializes in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Clinical expertise, a compassionate team, and an outstanding attention to detail ensures each guest’s experience will be customized to their needs. Call us today for information on our residential treatment programs: 1-855-483-7800