Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) For Alcohol Addiction

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Currently one of the most prevalent and well-documented forms of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on developing adaptive thought patterns, changing learned patterns of problematic behavior, and creating healthy coping skills to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Numerous research studies demonstrate its positive effects and how it can significantly improve daily functioning and overall wellness, especially in cases of mental illness and addiction. Additionally, CBT can be used in conjunction with, or in some cases, in place of psychiatric medications, therefore increasing accessibility to a wide variety of people.

When mental health professionals utilize CBT in therapeutic practice, they encourage clients to examine their thoughts and emotions and how they affect or influence their behavior. Moreover, clients learn to foster healthy thought and behavior patterns.

Through targeted dialogue and conversation, a CBT-trained therapist helps the client reframe their thinking and gain a more positive perspective; this promotes an improved response to stress, anxiety, and other difficult circumstances.

If someone uses alcohol as a coping mechanism or distraction, CBT can help them redirect the unhelpful thought or behavioral patterns that have impacted their drinking habits. CBT can also teach those with an alcohol addiction healthy coping skills and behaviors to live alcohol-free.

History Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT initially emerged in the 1960s when a psychiatrist named Aaron T. Beck noticed that many of his patients seemed to talk through their inner dialogue. He discovered that many of his depressed clients shared similar thought patterns about how they viewed themselves, others, and their future. He found that these thoughts were “automatic” and happened at random; clients, unable to move past the spontaneous, negative thoughts, would dwell on them, allowing the negativity to influence emotions and behaviors.

By helping clients recognize self-destructive and harmful thoughts, Beck’s approach encouraged healthy introspection and helped to not only identify the negative thoughts, but actively cultivate and focus on more positive ones. While originally utilized to treat those with depression disorders, by the mid-1970s, CBT expanded and was employed across the psychiatric field to help with a myriad of disorders.

What Issues Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat?

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been known to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Substance Use Disorders

When used in conjunction with medications, this form of therapy has been found effective in treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Interestingly, research has found that CBT is successful in managing medical conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome, too; the ideology is that even if you can’t change how you feel, you can change your overall outlook and attitude.

Since its whole praxis is rooted in thought awareness and management, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a valuable tool for many, regardless of the presence of a diagnosed mental or medical condition. Utilized across all age groups, including children and teens, CBT can help people process and work through life transitions and other problems such as marital issues or divorce, challenges at work, grief or loss, stress, adjusting to a new medical diagnosis, etc.

CBT is often used in alcohol addiction treatment because it helps individuals relearn positive thought patterns and behavioral habits that are not reliant on alcohol. Individuals will learn behaviors to replace drinking, such as building stronger relationships with others and healthy coping skills for high-risk scenarios.

What To Know When Deciding On A Therapist

Many different health professionals are trained and qualified to practice cognitive behavioral therapy. Depending on the nature of the issue(s), a person may choose to see a psychologist, social worker, or licensed mental health counselor.

When weighing options and determining what best suits your needs, it is important to make sure you find someone who is both licensed in the state in which they practice and specializes in whatever it is you are seeking the treatment for. Most therapists will list what they specialize in on their websites and some even offer consultations before starting the first therapy session.

Regardless, it is appropriate to ask the therapist questions about their process as well as their experience treating certain conditions; perhaps the most important part of therapy is establishing a strong connection where you feel comfortable and are thus more willing to be vulnerable.

As far as structure, therapists may offer a variety of formats like virtual or telehealth, in-person, or both. It is important to note that any one of these models is an effective way to receive cognitive behavioral therapy, it just comes down to personal comfort and preference.

How Long Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Last?

Depending on your overall needs or goals, CBT can last from several weeks or months to however long you find the sessions helpful. The length of treatment varies greatly among individual people as well as the instigating problem. Much like recovering from a substance abuse problem or any behavioral addiction, it’s not about the outcome, but rather the journey and all the progress made along the way.

Therapy work is not always easy as it requires vulnerability and deep introspection to reap the most fruitful benefits. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you have the right perspective. Speaking with a professional trained to help you dig deep and uncover behavioral patterns, thought processes, and other personal habits can be monumental in facilitating long-lasting change.

Alcohol Rehab Guide is not affiliated with any insurance.

Looking For Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling or could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, there are resources available to you. Explore your online therapy options and get the support you need today, right from the comfort of your own home.