Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Austin

How CBT Can Support Addiction Recovery

Addiction and substance abuse are often symptoms of underlying mental and/or emotional dis-regulation. Many individuals turn to substances to help alleviate stress, distract themselves from uncomfortable thoughts or emotions, and forget painful memories. Substance use soon becomes a habit and can easily develop into a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol to function or feel normal.

This is where cognitive behavioral therapy for alcoholism or drugs can be a powerful tool in recovery. By utilizing CBT as part of a holistic addiction treatment plan, individuals with substance use disorders can learn to process their feelings in helpful ways and develop behaviors that support their sobriety.

How CBT Can Address Mental Health Issues

Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses are often related to negative thinking, false beliefs, and cognitive distortions that can escalate and spiral out of control if they are not addressed.

During cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapist will help reframe a person’s thoughts and practice coping skills for responding to challenging situations. They may also incorporate relaxation and mindfulness techniques and certain problem-solving strategies.

Often, individuals with a substance use disorder also have an underlying mental health disorder. CBT can be utilized to address both simultaneously, offering practical tools to address difficult situations and relationships. Overall, CBT for alcohol use disorder or CBT for substance use disorders can help you take control of your future.

What to Expect in a CBT Therapy Session

During your first meeting with your therapist, they will ask questions about your challenges and goals to determine whether CBT recovery is a good fit for your specific treatment needs. Your therapist will then ask you about current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are troubling you. While you may discuss your past during a CBT session, the focus will be on your present experience and pressing concerns.

The steps most commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy include [3]

1. Identifying the areas of your life that are most challenging. This could include things like substance use disorders and mental health symptoms, difficult relationships, or employment troubles.
2. Identifying the thoughts and feelings that surround these challenges. In order to address the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that are impeding development or causing distress, you first have to be aware of them. A trained CBT therapist can help you recognize the way you talk to yourself about certain situations and any subconscious beliefs you may hold about yourself or other people.
3. Noticing where your perceptions may be inaccurate. By understanding your underlying thoughts and emotions around a particular topic, you can identify where you may be contributing to the problem by holding on to a particular mindset. A therapist can help you apply critical thinking and objectively evaluate your thought and emotion patterns to see where they may be harming rather than helping.
4. Reframing thinking and setting goals. During this step of cognitive behavioral therapy, your therapist will help you identify new ways of approaching your problems and thinking about yourself and others.

CBT residential treatment is typically a goal-oriented approach, which means your therapist will likely give you exercises to try outside the session that will allow you to put your newfound skills and mindsets into practice.