Addiction is a mental health disease that is treatable through a combination of behavioral therapy and medical support. Many addiction treatment programs now use cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, to treat addiction as it has proven to be the most effective program for treating substance use disorder. Several CBT techniques for addiction give patients the skills and confidence they need to reach their recovery goals. Addiction treatment programs are essential for men and women whose addiction is causing a major disruption in their lives.
At Arkview Recovery, we provide men and women throughout Pennsylvania with compassionate addiction treatment programs that are very effective in helping them reach their recovery goals. Our team of behavioral therapists and medical staff work together to create a custom treatment program based on each patient’s individual symptoms. We have a full range of treatment programs to help with every stage of the recovery journey. Reach out to our friendly team today by calling 717.744.0756 for more information about our cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for addiction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy where therapists work with patients to uncover the thoughts and feelings that led to the addiction. It helps them see how their negative thoughts are affecting their behavior and develop healthy coping skills and new ways of thinking to reduce their cravings and temptations.
Therapists guide patients toward understanding their thoughts and feelings and how to express them appropriately. They also teach patients that it is OK to talk about their feelings with others, which is frowned upon in our society.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is beneficial in treating more than just addiction. Here are some of the mental health disorders that CBT can treat:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Eating disorders
At Arkview Recovery Center, we employ various CBT techniques for drug addiction to give our patients the best chance of reaching their recovery goals. As patients progress through the program, therapists will meet weekly with other team members to discuss the patient’s progress and make recommendations for the next stage of recovery.
CBT Techniques for Addiction
There are several CBT techniques for drug addiction that go a long way toward helping patients reach their recovery goals. CBT is one of the preferred methods for treating addiction and has a long track record of sober patients living their best life.
CBT techniques for addiction include:
- Thought records – Therapists help patients change the way they react to different situations and teach them how to put a positive spin on them. Instead of thinking negatively, they take a positive approach. “I’m no good at driving, “ becomes, “I am learning to become a better driver.”
- Behavioral experiments – Patients learn to replace their destructive behaviors with positive actions by working with therapists. They find which behaviors work best for them and use that to change the behaviors associated with the negative thoughts.
- Imagery-based exposure – Patients will recall a traumatic event or memory that causes them grief and learn how to change the associated thoughts. Therapists will help patients confront painful memories in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves.
- Pleasant activity schedule – Therapists allow patients to learn new hobbies and interests to keep them occupied. Boredom is one of the leading causes of relapse, which is why finding new interests that make them happy is so important to their recovery.
Arkview Recovery: Your Top Resource for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Addiction
At Arkview Recovery, we provide compassionate support for men and women struggling with addiction to heroin, alcohol, or other harmful substances. Our behavioral therapists are certified and experienced in treating all types of addiction using cognitive-behavioral therapy for addiction and other therapies in group and private sessions. We also include family therapy in all of our treatment programs.
Call 717.744.0756 today or fill out our online form to begin a journey toward a healthier and sober life.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
