CBT For Addiction

When you are admitted to a treatment program for a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder, part of your individualized recovery plan may include CBT.

CBT works by helping individuals to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to addiction. CBT in recovery typically involves several steps, including:

• Assessment: A dedicated cognitive behavioral therapist works with the client to identify their specific triggers, behaviors, and thought patterns that contribute to their addiction.
• Goal setting: The client and therapist work together to establish clear goals for therapy, such as reducing substance use, increasing motivation for change, and developing new coping strategies.
• Cognitive restructuring: With cognitive restructuring, individuals are encouraged to challenge negative thoughts and impulses and replace them with more positive, adaptive ones.
• Behavioral activations: The therapist helps the individual to develop new behaviors and habits that promote recovery.
• Skill development: The therapist teaches the individual practical coping skills and strategies to manage cravings, triggers, and other challenges that may arise during recovery.

The aim of  CBT therapy for addiction is to equip the client with effective strategies for preventing and managing relapse. Each of these steps contributes to the end-goal of long-term recovery.

The number of sessions and the specific approach used may vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their addiction. Following detox, CBT may be used in several levels of care, including during partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis programs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective for addiction for several reasons.

CBT for addiction helps individuals to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs about the self that lead to substance abuse and replace them with healthier and more constructive ones, as well as teaches individuals practical skills and coping strategies to manage the challenges of recovery. CBT focuses on building specific skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and stress-management, that are essential for achieving and maintaining sobriety.

For many years, CBT has been considered the Gold Standard of addiction therapies. It is supported by a wealth of scientific research[1], which has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing substance use in those in recovery. This research provides strong evidence for the efficacy of CBT for substance use and helps to support its continued use as a treatment approach.

The length of time it takes for CBT to work can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s specific needs and the severity and duration of the addiction.

Generally speaking, CBT is designed to be a short-term treatment approach, meaning that it is typically completed in a set number of sessions. However, the number of sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the specific goals of therapy. Research has shown that CBT for addiction can be effective even in a relatively short period of time.[2]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an often-used, evidence-based psychotherapy for addiction, and the large majority of addiction treatment centers will offer some form of this therapy as part of an individualized recovery plan.

At Epiphany Wellness, CBT is one of our core treatment approaches for our clients who are working towards overcoming substance use disorders and we have two locations in New Jersey and Tennessee.

Keep in mind that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is only part of holistic, effective treatment. It is important that the recovery center you choose incorporates a multitude of modalities and other types of therapy into your treatment plan.