Substance abuse affects how people think and behave. Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) involves finding healthy alternatives to maladaptive thoughts or behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular forms of psychotherapy used during treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy “is a problem-oriented strategy . . . [that] focuses on current problems and finding solutions for them.” Painted Desert Recovery uses CBT and other forms of psychotherapy to help people recover from SUD.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

CBT is a form of psychotherapy used to help people process and regulate emotions, develop coping skills, and build healthy patterns of behavior. CBT is used to assist people in identifying and challenging maladaptive beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors. Individuals recovering from substance abuse benefit from using CBT alongside other forms of treatment.

During group or individual CBT sessions, clients can expect to do the following:

• Discuss their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors
• Develop strategies for coping with triggers and unhealthy behaviors
• Process traumatic or stressful memories, events, thoughts, or beliefs
• Build healthy coping skills and crisis management strategies

Clients are often given homework between sessions. Homework may include journaling, practicing coping skills, or identifying problems to discuss in the next therapy session. According to JMIR Mental Health, “Homework is an important component of CBT; in the context of CBT, homework can be defined as ‘specific, structured, therapeutic activities that are routinely discussed in session, to be completed between sessions.'” Homework keeps clients focused and motivated between therapy sessions, improving the effectiveness of treatment. Painted Desert Recovery encourages clients to practice the skills and therapeutic tools they learn in CBT to improve overall mental health.

Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Treat Addiction

Personalized trauma-informed care and CBT provide some of the best outcomes for people in recovery from SUD. CBT focuses jointly on cognitive and behavioral aspects of recovery from substance abuse and mental health. Some clients may have difficulty recognizing how the symptoms and side effects of SUD have impacted their relationships, thoughts, and behaviors. Insights provided during CBT sessions guide clients through identifying the many potential connections between thought processes and behaviors.

The Primary Principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT is highly adaptable and offers a wide range of useful approaches to care. Below are a few of the primary principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.

#1. Identifying Potential Problems

Before people in therapy can process and resolve issues, they must identify potential problem areas. For example, clients must work with clinicians to identify triggers before developing practical coping skills to manage them.

Some of the most common problem areas people focus on in CBT include:

• Relationship issues
• Family dynamics
• Everyday stressors
• Major life changes
• Cravings
• Triggers
• Intrusive thoughts
• Unhelpful beliefs
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Personal and recovery goals

Sessions are tailored to each client’s unique needs and focus on the areas most likely to impact their recovery during and after treatment.

#2. Recognizing the Connections Between Thoughts and Behaviors

A person’s thoughts directly affect their behavior and response to stressors. Recognizing the connections between specific thoughts and behaviors can help people avoid relapse and better understand the effects of addiction. Clinicians work with clients to help them identify and replace unhealthy thoughts patterns and beliefs to reduce the risk of self-harming or risk-taking behaviors.

#3. Challenging Unhealthy Thoughts and Setting Realistic Goals

Unhealthy thoughts cause people to make poor decisions about their health and well-being. During recovery, clients must set realistic goals to avoid feeling emotionally burned out or overwhelmed. Clients use CBT sessions to establish achievable goals and challenge unhealthy thoughts related to those recovery goals. CBT improves self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

What Conditions Are Treated Using CBT?

People diagnosed with SUD often have co-occurring mental health issues affecting their ability to function effectively. CBT is a helpful tool for managing and overcoming mental health symptoms.

CBT may be used to treat most common dual diagnosis and mental health disorders, including:

• Anxiety and panic disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder
• Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and antisocial personality disorder (APD)
• Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

CBT is often used alongside other evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to ensure a whole-person approach to treatment.

Treatment Options at Painted Desert Recovery

The clinical team at Painted Desert Recovery uses a wide range of therapeutic modalities and treatment services to help women recover from substance abuse and co-occurring trauma or mental health disorders. A trauma-informed approach and integrative care allow clients to receive the best treatments to accommodate their needs and preferences.

Clients have access to multiple therapy options while participating in intensive outpatient treatment, including:

• Trauma-based therapy
• Nutritional therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Art therapy

Clients have access to CBT during individual and group therapy sessions throughout the week. Clinicians guide clients through establishing healthy goals and routines while learning to manage stressors using effective coping strategies. People in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) return home each night, allowing them the opportunity to practice what they learned in therapy. Painted Desert Recovery uses personalized treatment plans to ensure clients receive the right level of support to reduce the risk of relapse and improve their mental health.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating substance use disorder and dual diagnosis. Painted Desert Recovery uses CBT to help clients heal and grow during treatment and ongoing recovery. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (844) 540-0353.