Part of overcoming addiction is getting unstuck from unhealthy behaviors and destructive patterns so you can move on with your new sober life. It’s tough work, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help.A very popular treatment approach for mental disorders and substance and behavioral addictions, CBT can teach you several important skills that target the core ways addiction affects you. Here, we take a look at a few:
- You’ll think more positively. Negativity is destructive to your recovery as it can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. CBT can help you identify such negative thought patterns and replace them with positive, productive thoughts and actions to apply to everyday stressors.
- You’ll improve your self-esteem. Low self-esteem is often a hallmark of addiction and CBT can help people in recovery begin to believe in their self-worth. This will help during early recovery as well as with long-term sobriety as you'll gain a stronger desire to give yourself the better life that you deserve.
- You’ll learn to resist peer pressure. Once out of rehab and into the so-called real world, you’ll need to learn how to say "no" to the addictive substances or behaviors of your past — and CBT can help you practice and master this important recovery skill.
How to Maximize CBT for Addiction
- Listen to your healthcare professional. Working with your therapists and counselors to follow your individualized recovery plan carefully is critical during each step of rehab and beyond.
- Do your CBT homework. CBT requires you to do work on your own in between therapy sessions.
- Continue to learn about your addiction. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapists or counselors questions to better understand your condition and how you can be an active participant in your addiction treatment.
CBT at Complete Harmony
The Complete Harmony therapy team specializes in CBT for addiction recovery in both group and individual settings. To learn more, or to speak with a member of our credentialed addiction team, call 866-930-4673 or submit a confidential online inquiry today.
