For many people with drug or alcohol addiction or mental health disorders, thought processes are a core problem. The way a person thinks and reacts to those thoughts can lead to negative outcomes. For that reason, to treat any of these conditions, it becomes necessary to learn how to change thought patterns and poor beliefs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways to help. That is why it is a part of our addiction therapy programs at United Recovery Project.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Program Work?
Cognitive-behavior therapy aims to help a person recognize how their negative or inaccurate thoughts lead to poor behaviors. For example, a person may have experienced some stress. Instead of tackling what’s happened, their mind moves through a series of progressively worsening thoughts. This may include self-deprecating and self-hating statements. That leads to their frustration. Sometimes it leads to drug or alcohol use.
With CBT, a person learns to:
- Recognize when thought patterns are negative
- See when negative thought patterns could lead to poor behavioral decisions
- Change those thought patterns
- Avoid the negative behavior
- Focus on more realistic thoughts and expectations
It may seem simple, but in those moments when frustration is high, and self-confidence is low, it becomes critical to understand what’s happening.
What Can Be Expected from a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program?
When it comes to CBT, every experience is a bit different. That’s because every thought process a person has is unique. Most often, this type of treatment is done during individual therapy. It allows a therapist to help a person recognize what thoughts they have that are not accurate or excessive. Sometimes, the goal is to focus on what is realistic – what really is happening at that moment? Other times, it is about accepting the bad things and finding a way to still make good decisions.
During therapy, a person can open up to speak about their experiences, thoughts, and needs. This is also a critical time to discuss the unique trauma or stressors in life that create those negative thoughts. Often, it is critical to deal with the underlying cause.
Dealing with the Bigger Picture in CBT
When it comes to controlling drug or alcohol addiction or managing a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, it is critical to focus on why a person faces what they are. For example, some people have past trauma or numerous bad experiences that changed their outlook on life. Others struggle with communicating emotions or defending themselves in an argument. Others cannot control thought patterns properly due to drug and alcohol addiction.
During CBT treatment, it is possible to learn how to change thoughts and create new opportunities for healing. This comes from focused effort and a lot of work. That is why this type of evidence-based therapy is a core component of the addiction treatment programs we offer at United Recovery Project. Working through these programs enables a person to embrace a better quality of life.
Learn more about the other types of dual diagnosis treatment programs we offer and how they can help you, including:
- Equine therapy programs
- Art therapy program
- Music therapy program
- Health and wellness programs
- Fitness therapy programs
- Other evidence-based treatment programs
Reach Out for Help at United Recovery Project
Recognizing that it’s time to get help for drug and alcohol addiction is the first step. After you realize that you need help, let our dedicated clinicians and luxury treatment program help you. Learn more about our cognitive-behavioral therapy program at United Recovery Project by calling 888-960-5121. Our Admissions team is available 24/7 and is completely confidential. We’re here to help you.
