There are plenty of treatment methods for alcohol addiction. From addiction counseling programs to intensive outpatient treatment, turning to medical professionals opens up various doors for you to recover from your addiction. One of the most commonly used techniques to treat alcohol addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy. What is this method, and why is it so effective for many? We’ll look at the benefits of this highly versatile and effective treatment and how it can help you or a loved one.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the more popular psychotherapy approaches to treating substance abuse conditions like alcoholism. It’s also used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and phobias. The core principles of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are based on the idea that most of our thoughts and feelings are controlled by ourselves and not the outside world. So, CBT focuses on shifting the way people view situations and focusing on a more positive and self-aware way of viewing yourself and the world.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

When you begin CBT treatments, you and your therapist will focus on functional analysis and skills training in either a group or solo setting. Your therapist will work to determine the triggers or conditions that lead you to your substance abuse or the behaviors that are causing you to suffer from other mental illnesses. From there, they will determine methods to deconstruct these problems and find a different way for you to think and feel.

Throughout the CBT process, your therapist will also focus on your mood, feelings, thoughts, and comfort with the sessions. You’ll have discussions about any changes or improvements that are made and map out plans for future sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapists can perform your treatment at home, in an office, or a treatment facility, depending on your situation and comfort with each location. 

How Can CBT Help Treat an Alcohol Addiction?

So, how effective is CBT for substance use disorders like alcoholism? CBT is highly effective at treating alcoholism, especially when paired with other behavioral therapies. Compared to other treatment methods, CBT is one of the more long-lasting treatments as it helps address the core issues plaguing each individual and their desire to consume alcohol. With CBT, you can:

  • Improve your self-control.
  • Recognize triggers and situations that might lead to a relapse.
  • Develop strategies for coping with triggering situations.
  • Find ways to monitor your thought patterns.
  • Explore new ways to handle stressful situations.
  • Build confidence in your abilities to fight the desire to consume alcohol.
  • Use logic and critical thinking skills to understand the relationship between your mind and body.

Types of CBT Used By Therapists

When you turn to CBT for alcohol use disorder or any other substance use disorder, there are a few different forms you can expect a therapist to introduce. CBT can involve anything from assignments to help apply what you learned to exposure to fears and triggering situations to learn how to control them better. Each type varies by individual, and they include:

  • Behavioral Assignments
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Activity Scheduling
  • Problem-Solving
  • Mindfulness
  • Breathing Skills
  • Successive Approximation

Receive Your Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Various Other Treatment Methods From Steps to Recovery

At Steps to Recovery, we pride ourselves on quality treatment, no matter the individual. That’s led us to fine-tune our cognitive behavioral therapy programs to help treat people of all ages and situations. Our quality medical professionals can set you up with everything needed to recover from alcoholism and enjoy the life you want to live. So contact us today and explore the various options available from our medical team, or call Steps to Recovery today at 267.209.7312 for effective treatment for all.

 

Sources:

https://gpsych.bmj.com/content/32/5/e100087 

https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/alcohol-abuse-treatment-options 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714654/