THERAPIES
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Addiction
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy that helps individuals to question and address problematic thoughts and emotional states that lead to addiction triggers.
Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a form of talking therapy that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours contributing to their addiction. By focusing on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and actions, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and fosters long-term recovery.
CBT in Addiction Treatment
In the context of addiction, CBT has demonstrated significant efficacy. It assists individuals in recognising situations that trigger substance use and equips them with strategies to manage these triggers effectively. Research indicates that CBT not only supports initial recovery but also provides enduring skills to prevent relapse.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is utilised extensively today in addiction treatment. CBT helps those in treatment to seek out patterns between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and raise awareness of how these aspects influence their decision making.
Along with addiction, CBT also treats co-occurring disorders such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and/or Anxiety
Involuntary adverse thoughts are often a source for depression and anxiety disorders, which are shared co-occurring disorders with addiction. This suggests that negative, automatic thoughts can make someone more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Cognitive behavioural therapists use detailed methods to assist in addiction recovery. Examples of CBT techniques used in addiction treatment include
- Thought Recordings - Those in treatment can observe involuntary negative feelings and search for objective evidence backing up and refuting those thoughts. They list signs for and against their involuntary thoughts to match and differentiate between them. The aim here, is to assist them in thinking about more balanced and less unforgiving feelings by critically assessing what they are thinking about.
- Behavioural Experiments - These activities weigh the negative thoughts against the positive ones to determine which is simpler in altering behaviour. Some individuals respond better to self-kindness while others respond to self-criticism. Behavioural experiments are all about determining what works best for the individual
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - This comprises of creating a day-to-day list of vigorous, fun activities to break up daily routines. These actions should be simple and easy to complete while encouraging supportive thoughts. Setting up these pleasing events aids in minimizing undesirable instinctive thoughts and also the subsequent need to use an addictive substance.
- Imagery Based Exposure - In this exercise, those in recovery think about a memory that produces influential negative feelings. They observation of each sight, sound, emotion, thought, and urge in this moment. By regularly re-entering painful memories, the addicted individual can decrease the apprehension caused by them over time.
People battling addiction should consider cognitive behavioural therapy when they are able to make a life-style change. However, before people can make a change, they need to recognize their problem.
Common indicators that point toward an addiction consist of increased tolerance, regular cravings, physical necessity and loss of control.
These indications of addiction are supported by unhealthy patterns of thought and behaviours. CBT assists addicts in recognising these patterns and enforcing these new habits.
The most operative treatment plans depend on a person’s willingness to adjust their behaviour, proceeding slowly for ambivalent individuals and more quickly for people committed to the treatment.
Even those who deny that they need an intervention can take pleasure in CBT, as long as therapists specify treatment plans to the persons’ willingness to engage.
Our Approach to CBT
At The Providence Project, our CBT sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our experienced therapists employ a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to:
- Identify Triggers: Understanding the specific situations, thoughts, or emotions that lead to substance use.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Learning and practicing techniques to manage cravings and avoid high-risk scenarios.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Reframing unhelpful beliefs and attitudes that sustain addictive behaviours.
- Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Building resilience to navigate life's challenges without resorting to substance use.
Benefits of CBT at The Providence Project
Engaging in CBT as part of our comprehensive treatment programme offers numerous benefits, including:
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Each client receives a bespoke therapy plan addressing their specific challenges and goals.
- Skill Development: Clients acquire practical tools applicable in real-world situations, promoting sustained recovery.
- Supportive Environment: Our compassionate therapists provide a safe space for clients to explore and address underlying issues contributing to addiction.
How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Differs from Other Psychotherapies
Cognitive behavioural therapy offers a pro-active substitute to talk based therapies. CBT requires the individual to take pro-active steps to change their thinking habits. Cognitive behavioural therapy is flexible, making it operative in both residential and outpatient settings, in addition to providing individual and group counselling environments. Numerous therapists and addiction treatment centres (including our own) take in CBT as part of their recovery programmes.Integrating CBT with Other Therapies
While CBT is a pivotal component of our treatment approach, we recognise the value of a holistic strategy. Therefore, we integrate CBT with other therapeutic modalities, such as:
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focusing on accepting thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, and committing to making changes aligned with personal values.
- Family Therapy: Addressing family dynamics to support recovery and rebuild relationships.
How Much Does CBT Cost?
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a General Practitioner. Or they can refer you to a therapist if you prefer. If you can afford it, you may be able to opt to pay for your therapy in confidence. The cost of private therapy sessions varies, as they usually cost between £40 to £100 per session. CBT is included as part of a residential rehab programme and typically forms part of the one-to-one therapy sessions provided within the timetable.Contact Us
If you’re ready to embark on the journey to recovery or need more information, please contact us at 0800 955 0945. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and support.
At The Providence Projects, we believe in the potential for recovery in everyone. Let us help you reclaim your life from addiction.
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