Category: Community Issues

Cognitive Behavior Therapy For Addiction

Are you struggling with addiction and needing therapy? The availability of drugs, narcotics, cigarettes, and alcohol all over the world has made it easier for many individuals to suffer from substance addiction. When a person becomes dependent on certain substances or items, it becomes difficult on his part to quit vices.

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Understanding The Relationship Between Addiction And Therapy

However, this does not indicate that it is not possible at all. With proper guidance and assistance from counselors, individuals may recover through Addiction Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of many disorder treatments you can look into when addressing addiction. Let’s learn more about the effective treatment here in this article.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction is among many types of clinical psychology counseling. From its name, it can be implied that cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on looking into how the actions of individuals or negative thought patterns are involved. Its primary goal is to change the individual’s maladaptive thinking or behavioral expression to get over substance addiction and start treating depression, adolescent substance abuse, maladaptive behavioral patterns, addictive behaviors, and other mental health disorders that impacts a pleasant activity schedule.

“Since a high percentage of people we see in our practice is dealing with some anxiety (social anxiety, health or illness anxiety, etc.), being able to gently challenge people to face their fears and develop new ways of relating to their own thoughts is a central part of the work,” Martin Hsia, PsyD, says. “Cognitive behavioral therapy gives us the tools to encourage people to do something highly unpleasant: confront the things they have been avoiding.”

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapies For Addiction Help Manage Challenges

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Only counselors can perform techniques and methods under the cognitive-behavioral therapy approach. One fundamental principle is that engagement by patients and counselors depends on the severity of the addiction. It can be five months up to ten months or even longer.

According to the American addiction centers, individuals who are suffering from substance abuse are required to attend cognitive behavior therapy for addiction, which is usually scheduled once a week. Addiction counselors will help and enhance motivation in individuals examine different processes and how it affects how the person acts.

Ben Martin, PsyD, said, “During this time, the client and therapist are working together to understand what the problems are and develop new strategies for tackling them. Cognitive behavioral therapy introduces patients to a set of principles that they can apply whenever they need to, and that’ll last them a lifetime.”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Addiction Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven to be an effective way of helping individuals recover from addictive disorder. This method is also useful for relapse prevention in recovering individuals who once dealt with substance misuse and drug and alcohol dependence. Because of this, it is proper to conclude that cognitive therapy is indeed essential in dealing with the cognitive distortions and mental problems of several people.

Therapy for Addiction: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment Really That Important For People With Substance Abuse?

If you believe that you need a counselor to get over substance use disorders, cognitive behavioral interventions are perfect for cognitive behavioral treatment and the Affordable Care Act, according to the Mental Health Services Administration. Quitting the use of drugs or narcotics is difficult, most importantly if you find comfort in doing it. However, it is now time to regain clarity in your life. Be sure to find your preferred counselor who could make you understand why you can’t control your use of prohibited substances. Let that professional know that you are more than willing to participate in sessions that are meant for treating mental psychological disorders or other mental health conditions and common co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, drug addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, substance use disorders.

“Given that CBT can be a more direct style of therapy, it may not feel helpful for someone seeking that kind of deep, relational work. Having said that, many skilled [cognitive behavioral] therapists who practice cognitive behavioral therapy are very flexible and can adjust to meet the needs of a variety of clients,” wrote licensed clinical therapist Ryan Howes, Ph.D., ABPP.

Insights And Takeaways

When it comes to Beck Institute or National Institute on Drug Abuse treatments and meta-analyses, the first thing that you need to be aware of to stay sober is the fact that cognitive-behavioral strategies and treatment providers help only work if you will cooperate. You cannot expect counselors to do all your heavy work and give you all the coping skills training to reduce negative thoughts, boost positive emotions, and take away painful memories or painful thoughts or automatic thoughts about past experiences. Instead, make an effort to appear during your sessions and objective evidence treatment. Moreover, try to be honest at all times whenever you are communicating with your counselor. As long as you know how to find counselors who specialize in CBT techniques, you are good to go.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy FAQs

How Does The Cognitive Approach Explain How To Treat Addiction?

The cognitive approach to addiction treatment focuses on identifying and challenging distorted beliefs and thought patterns related to substance use. It involves cognitive restructuring to replace irrational beliefs with rational ones, developing coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers, and building self-efficacy to resist substance use. This approach also addresses underlying psychological issues and emphasizes relapse prevention.

What techniques are used to treat substance abuse?

Substance abuse treatment integrates diverse techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, Motivational Interviewing (MI), contingency management, 12-Step Programs, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), holistic therapies, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, peer support, and mental health education. These approaches collectively combat addiction and promote lasting recovery.

Which psychotherapy is most effective for substance dependence?

What Is The Most Effective Intervention For Substance Abuse If Online Therapy Doesn’t Help With Addiction Recovery?

If online therapy doesn’t prove effective for addiction recovery, there are several alternative interventions to explore. The most effective approach may vary from person to person, but options include in-person therapy with a licensed counselor, residential or outpatient treatment programs, support groups like AA or NA, medication-assisted treatment, family therapy, holistic approaches, specialized treatment centers, and long-term aftercare programs. The choice of intervention depends on individual needs, the severity of drug addiction or alcohol addiction, and co-occurring issues. It’s important to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

What Is A Treatment Plan For Substance Use Treatment?

What Are Three Options For Drug Abuse Treatment Centers?

How can we prevent addiction through behavioral experiments?

What are the six components of addiction?

How does cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction work?

What are examples of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions?

What is the first phase of CBT? Who needs cognitive behavioral therapy?

What are the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy?

What happens during a CBT session?

How long does CBT therapy last?

What questions are asked in cognitive behavioral therapy?

Why Do Students Who Work Are Most Likely To Succeed In Life?

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Some teens are not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They have to make a living at an early age to sustain their needs, to go to school, or help their parents with family expenses. Some have many younger siblings that they need to support that’s why they are forced to work while studying.

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The Risky Nature Of Peer Pressure On Teenagers

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Being accepted and wanting to belong to a clique is normal behavior that teenagers are yearning for during their school years. Although peer pressure is seen as a negative thing by some adults, it’s not usually the case. Sometimes, there are proven benefits.

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Awakening The Conscience Of Kleptomania

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The society considers stealing as a morally wrong practice, as this brings a negative connotation on the ethical standards of every individual. Consequently, it may also lead to criminal charges. More often than not, people tend to judge someone of becoming unethical because of stealing. It has been a societal practice to consider theft when something has been taken away. The society has set the parameters of morally accepted behaviors. However, no matter how unethical it is to steal, there is still something more profound than the mere idea of stealing, and this applies in the case of people especially the teens who are dealing with kleptomania.

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E-cigarette iIs Just Another Teenage Vice That Shouldn’t Normalize

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Anything that has to do with smoke is uncool.

What Are E-Cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes, or what are commonly known as e-cigarettes, are small cigarette-like, devices that run on batteries. E-cigarettes are somehow designed to resemble an actual cigarette, but they’re fancier and are equipped with a chamber where the liquid used for vaporizing is placed.

According to reports, there is a significant rise in the number of teens who are using e-cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has previously stated that at least 20% of students, mostly in high school, have used e-cigarettes.

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Dating A Domestic Abuse Survivor: What You Should Know – Part 2

The first part of this blog is about Validation and Listening to domestic abuse survivors. This last part will discuss on triggers, boundaries, and response.

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Dating A Domestic Abuse Survivor: What You Should Know – Part 1

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You may have heard that pretty lass who had been kept inside the house for too many years is now available and on the market. You may have also heard she has been through lots of abuse, of possibly different kinds, and you look to be her Prince Charming; the man to defeat all those fears for her.

According to Toby D. Goldsmith, MD, “While abuse can happen to anyone, women are by far the most frequent victims and men are the most frequent abusers. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 95 percent of the assaults on partners or spouses is committed by men against women.”

But how do you deal with such girls who had been through so much, sensibly? Such women have to deal with a swirling mass of destructive aspects such as anxiety, feelings of unworthiness, PTSD, depression, and many more, depending on the severity and the length of the abuse she suffered. The culprit may have been long gone from her life, but the scars, physical and otherwise, may still be evident. How do you deal with all of this, you may ask?

Finish reading “Dating A Domestic Abuse Survivor: What You Should Know – Part 1”

Your Mental Health As A College Student

It’s quite common for one to forget to care for their mental health and take a break when all the pressures of college life weigh down on you. Entering university can be quite a vast array of emotions all rolled up into one. There are new experiences, temptations, and crucial decisions all laid out for you to go through; and all that can be a bit much. Psychology studies and evidence mention the mental health crisis today in thousands of college students.

Just as Gregg Henriques, Ph.D. says, “the college student mental health crisis refers to the massive increase in treatment-seeking in college students. Whereas perhaps 10% were self-identified and seeking treatment in the 1980s, now approximately 33% are. This massive rise is likely a function of both more accepting attitudes about reporting distress and seeking and receiving treatment, and actual increases in stress, anxiety, and depression and other related problems.”

This particular time in a young adult’s life is more likely to experience a significant amount of stress, anxiety, and depression.  “A 2013 survey of college students found that 57% of women and 40% of men reported experiencing episodes of “overwhelming anxiety” in the past year, and 33% of women and 27% of men reported a period in the last year of feeling so depressed it was difficult to function. “

The situation is not improving, according to Ben Locke, Ph.D., “those who have worked in counseling centers for the last decade have been consistently ringing a bell saying something is wrong, things are getting worse with regard to  college student mental health.”

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It’s really important to make sure you pay attention to how you feel and what you need when you feel down, when things are overwhelming, and when you think you need a break. Sometimes it’s hard for the youth to admit when they’re not doing okay, or when you need help, and that’s completely normal.

When things get rough during such a time, it’s way too easy to give into peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and other vices, but this shouldn’t be how you address your needs. The same goes for completely ignoring and masking your mental health issues; this makes it worse. What you have to do is focus on letting it out positively, telling someone, and knowing and caring for yourself enough to want to change for the better.

Tell Someone

Do not isolate yourself from your friends or loved ones. It may seem more natural to think that you don’t want to burden them with your struggles, but going through it alone is not going to make it any better. Whether it may be one friend or a bunch, you have to keep interacting and telling people how you are, ask for advice, and make sure you open up to people you can trust.

Take Care Of Your Body

Taking care of your body can help you feel better mentally, as well. Most of the time, college students turn to alcohol and smoking, but you should avoid it. Always make sure to eat healthy meals and avoid harmful substances that can further damage your mental state. Enough Sleep and Light exercise now and then can also help decrease negative moods and help clear your mind.

Learn To Value Yourself

Always remember to put yourself first, to treat yourself with respect, and to avoid bringing yourself down. Make sure to reserve some time for yourself to do things that make you happy. It’s always okay to cut yourself some slack and remind yourself that you’ve tried your best. Give yourself time to grow, learn, and improve with all the experiences you go through every day.

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Surround Yourself With The Right People

You have to be able to distinguish which people are right for your well being, and let go of the toxic ones. Make sure to avoid people who influence you in a negative way or people who only use you for their benefit. It’s essential to have yourself surrounded with people who check on you, who care for your well being and genuinely enjoy having you around. It’s also good to have those who motivate you to do better academically, socially, and professionally.

Seek Professional Help

Seeking professional help is never a sign of weakness; it’s a display of self-awareness and self-value. Some so many people can help you and who can guide you towards an even brighter future. If you believe you need to talk to someone with experience with how you feel its best, you get it as soon as possible. Sometimes advice from friends and family isn’t enough, and you need something different, and that’s completely okay.

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Mental health is essential no matter what part of your life you’re going through, but it’s always a good move to address it as early as possible. With all the pressure young adults go through nowadays with social media and modern society counting on them to be a certain way, it becomes challenging to find time for one’s self and to care for your mental health sincerely. Never neglect your emotions and how you feel towards certain things, it’s important to remember that what you think is valid, that YOU are legitimate, and when you think you can’t handle situations on your own, there is always someone who can help. According to Deborah Serani, PsyD, “The reason more don’t go for psychotherapy or medication is stigma. They worry they’ll be labeled, deemed undesirable, and other such things. Misinformation about mental illness shames and discriminates those suffering from depression from getting professional help.”