preview

CBT And Addictions

Better Essays

CBT and Addictions
COUN 711 D03
Susan Folger
Liberty University

Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used in the treatment for drug-dependent individuals. CBT is a short-term brief approach that is used as a treatment for drug abuse and dependence. CBT has been rigorously evaluated in clinical trials and has solid empirical support as treatment for drug addiction. There is evidence that CBT is effective with severely addicted individuals. CBT is structured, goal-oriented and focused on the immediate problems faced by drug addicts that are entering treatment and are struggling to control their drug abuse. CBT is flexible and uses an individualized approach that is adaptable to a wide range of patients as well as a …show more content…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed as a method to prevent relapse when treating people with alcohol problems and then later it was adapted for drug-addicted individuals. Cognitive behavioral strategies are based on the theory that in the development of maladaptive behavioral patterns.
Behavioral and Psychosocial Treatments Many of the early theories of addiction “were based primarily on studying alcohol-dependent individuals” (Hart & Ksir, 2013, p.409). The use of CBT began with the treatment of alcohol dependence or alcoholism. CBT today is not designed for a particular substance but is the treatment for a variety of addictions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an approach that uses cognitive-therapy techniques with behavioral skills training. With cognitive behavioral therapy individuals learn to identify and change behaviors that may lead to the continuation of drug use. CBT has “been shown to be more effective at decreasing substance use than most standard psychotherapies” (Hart & Ksir, 2013, p.414). CBT has proven to have beneficial effects that last as long as a year following treatment. CBT

Get Access