Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a research-driven approach that is highly effective in treating a variety of psychological distress disorders (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012). Unlike other recovery programs that can take years, CBT is a short-term treatment that typically lasts only weeks or months (Hofmann, et al., 2012). It is a preferred choice among therapists due to its evidence-based approach and accessibility.
CBT aims to identify and understand the underlying reasons for a person’s drug or alcohol abuse. Physical dependence on substances is not the problem; it’s the consequences that result from the underlying needs that drive the compulsion. Withdrawal alone does not guarantee sobriety; strategies must be in place to help the patient replace their addictive behaviors and thought patterns with healthier alternatives (Perkinson, 2016, p.75).
Like most psychotherapy approaches, CBT focuses on change (Perkinson, 2016, p.67). During CBT sessions, therapists work with clients to identify the circumstances, thoughts, and feelings that trigger destructive behaviors. By understanding how these behaviors were formed, clients can recognize the lies they’ve been telling themselves and begin forming new, healthier habits (Perkinson, 2016, p.68).
CBT is a family of interventions that interconnect cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques with an emphasis on cognitive factors, addressing physiological, emotional, and behavioral factors (Hofmann et al., 2012, p.2). Behavioral terms such as refraining from substance use, attending support group meetings, seeking a higher power, talking with a sponsor, and sharing one’s feelings can all be changed and measured during treatment (Perkinson, 2016, p.71).
Family Therapy
Addiction affects not only the person struggling with it but also the entire family. Unhealthy family dynamics can develop as a result, causing more harm than good. To overcome this, family therapy can be a great option. By bringing about specific, positive changes as the person in recovery progresses, family therapy helps the family recover and heal. The changes can aid all family members to heal from the trauma of addiction and reduce the chances of relapse.
Typically, I suggest the person struggling with alcohol or substance use seek individual therapy before entering family therapy, however, each person’s situation is unique.
References
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). (2004). Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2004. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 39.) Chapter 1 Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64269/ David, D., Cristea, I., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004 Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive therapy and research, 36(5), 427-440. Perkinson, R. (2016) Chemical Dependency Counseling: A Practical Guide. (CBC) 5th. Edition. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA ISBN-13: 978-1506307343
