If you’re researching rehabs, you’re likely wondering, “What is CBT?” Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular therapies to treat addiction. If you’re trying to find the right addiction treatment program, a good starting place is to ensure the rehab offers CBT for addiction treatment.
BlueCrest Recovery is a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center that offers a variety of addiction therapies, including CBT. Contact BlueCrest Recovery at 888.292.9652 today to learn about overcoming addiction with the help of CBT in New Jersey.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
What is CBT, and why is it so popular? Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach to treating various mental and behavioral health conditions, including addiction. This form of talk therapy has been used for decades with a high success rate.
CBT is designed as a short-term type of therapy. It’s popular because it allows clients to cut directly to the heart of their pressing concerns and offers explicit instructions on shifting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It makes resolving issues and achieving goals possible in a short period.
What Happens During a CBT Session?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves working with a therapist to identify and achieve specific goals, like overcoming substance use. The basic steps of CBT include:
- Identify life issues and session goals
- Gain self-awareness in your thoughts and beliefs
- Identify unhelpful thought patterns
- Reframe thought patterns to achieve your goals
Essentially, CBT takes advantage of the fact that your thoughts and emotions are powerful driving forces behind unwanted situations in life. When you identify where your thinking undermines your ability to achieve your goals, you gain the skills needed to succeed.
The Benefits of CBT for Addiction Treatment
The lessons learned in CBT are beneficial when overcoming substance use. This is why CBT is often offered as part of an effective addiction treatment program.
Most individuals working to overcome substance use disorders enter treatment with specific thought patterns and habits that heavily contribute to ongoing substance use. Some of these include:
- Thinking you “need” substances
- Assuming you don’t have the “willpower” to stop addiction
- Believing you have your substance use “under control”
- Blaming circumstances for your substance use
These are all common beliefs people hold when it comes to substance use. However, the reasons behind them are always unique to the individual. For example, one person might rely on substances to deal with an untreated anxiety disorder. At the same time, others might resort to substance use because they’re deeply unhappy in their relationship or job.
Using CBT to Overcome Addiction
A therapist using CBT helps a client examine these beliefs and their underlying causes. Then, they can pose alternative views and solutions and help guide clients to make changes that support addiction recovery.
For example, many individuals working to overcome addiction feel that resisting the urge to use substances is too great. A therapist will help reframe these thoughts. Instead of thinking that fighting relapse is impossible because they need substances, a client might be guided to recognize that they’re experiencing a strong desire to use substances.
By distinguishing between “wanting” and “needing,” they can reframe the experience, recognize that the feelings will pass, and successfully avoid relapse. Over time, utilizing the tools provided by CBT allows people to build the habits and thinking patterns that will support long-term recovery.
Find CBT for Addiction Treatment in New Jersey at BlueCrest Recovery
Still wondering, “What is cognitive-behavioral therapy, and can it help me overcome addiction?” If so, BlueCrest Recovery is ready to show you the powerful impact cognitive-behavioral therapy can have. Contact our knowledgeable team at 888.292.9652 today and ask about our CBT options in New Jersey.
