Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been a cornerstone of addiction recovery and mental health treatment for decades. Most clients attending addiction rehab centers participate in individual psychotherapy using a form of CBT.
According to the Psychiatric Clinics of North America, “Evidence from numerous large scale trials and quantitative reviews supports the efficacy of CBT for alcohol and drug use disorders.” One study “reported that 60% of patients in the CBT condition provided clean toxicology screens at 52-week follow-up.”
Lighthouse Recovery Texas uses evidence-based treatments like CBT to help clients successfully manage their condition and recover from substance use disorder (SUD).
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly used talk therapies. Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is a ”problem-oriented strategy” that “focuses on current problems and finding solutions for them.” CBT looks at the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Counselors and therapists use CBT to address a wide range of symptoms. It is easily personalized to meet each client’s unique needs, making it easier for them to address specific issues.
During CBT sessions, you may discuss topics related to the following:
- Symptoms of SUD
- Mental health
- Substance misuse
- Trauma or abuse
- Everyday life
- Recovery goals
- Personal relationships
- Physical health
Most people use CBT to find healthy ways to process past events, stabilize their emotions, and develop healthy coping skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also provides a safe space to explore self-expression and improve self-awareness. The therapist or counselor can teach therapeutic techniques for reducing stress and increasing positivity during early recovery.
What to Expect During Sessions
Therapy sessions often involve a lot of discussions about topics related to treatment, recovery, mental health, and everyday experiences. CBT focuses on challenging unhealthy thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. Your therapist will also guide you through various exercises designed to highlight areas in your life where you can make positive changes.
CBT aims to identify beliefs and behaviors that would benefit from change and find healthy ways to achieve that goal. Most CBT sessions involve discussing ways to improve your quality of life.
Using Integrative Care to Combine Treatments
Most people who participate in treatment for substance use disorder have co-occurring conditions that may complicate their treatment and recovery. The integrative care offered at Lighthouse Recovery Texas ensures that clients feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be easily adjusted to work well with a variety of different therapies and services, making it ideal for integrative care.
Combining therapies is one way to address specific issues clients face during recovery. CBT is used for treating a wide range of disorders, including:
- Substance use disorder
- Mood disorders like depression
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Specific phobias
Individual or group CBT is often used with prescription medications and peer support to help clients cope with anxiety. You can use CBT to reframe your thoughts and feelings about your situation. Integrative care is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve quality of life. A tailored treatment plan will ensure you have access to the tools you need to grow and continue making progress in your recovery.
Treating Anxiety Disorders Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Anxiety-related disorders commonly co-occur with SUD, and anxiety is considered the most common mental health symptom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “An estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year.” Anxiety disorders often have multiple underlying causes and factors that must be addressed in treatment. CBT is useful for treating anxiety because it can easily be adapted to fit a wide range of symptoms and behaviors.
Many people who experience chronic anxiety have untreated trauma that needs to be addressed in therapy. According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, “A large amount of research has accumulated on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], social anxiety disorder [SAD], and specific phobia.”
The dedicated clinicians at Lighthouse Recovery Texas use a trauma-informed approach to care that allows clients to process past events without risking re-traumatization.
How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Improve Symptoms?
During CBT sessions, clients learn to understand how their thoughts affect behavior. Increased self-awareness will help you find healthier ways to cope with the symptoms of your condition. In addition, changing the way you think about yourself and your recovery will ensure you react more appropriately to emotional and behavioral triggers.
Lighthouse Recovery Texas provides a range of programs and extended care services to help clients heal from the effects of SUD. You can use cognitive-behavioral therapy and other treatments to significantly decrease anxiety and improve your mental health. CBT can also be used during continuing care to reduce the risk of relapse.
Many people in treatment for substance use disorder have co-occurring anxiety-related disorders. CBT can help you recover from a wide range of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. You can find healthy ways to cope with the symptoms. CBT can also provide essential insights that reduce symptoms related to stress and anxiety. Lighthouse Recovery Texas uses a personalized treatment program to help clients recover from SUD and anxiety-related issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments and may be used alongside other therapies or prescription medication. To learn more about our programs and the therapies we use, call us at (214) 396-0259.
