Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of therapy for treating addiction. It is an evidence-based approach with decades of success to back it up. One of the biggest benefits of CBT is that it is an action-oriented approach to treating addiction and mental health disorders. Classical talk therapy focuses on reflection and discussion. While talking things out is certainly part of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the emphasis is much more on taking action related to improving mental health or the possibility of recovery.
Learn more about our cognitive-behavioral therapy program by calling Athens Recovery at 844.959.4998.
Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT is considered a rigorous form of therapy because of how much it expects from a client. Ultimately, CBT aims to modify the underlying thoughts and behaviors that might lead to substance use disorders. Changing these negative patterns allows for growth, healing, and recovery. The effectiveness of the CBT approach lies in how people change their habits and self-perceptions to promote their well-being.
1. CBT Provides Therapeutic Support
A key facet of any therapeutic approach is the support clients receive from trained clinicians. While goals are personal to each individual patient, therapy sessions provide a form of accountability and support. CBT’s action-first approach means progress is measurable and something people can check in on with their therapist.
2. It Improves Self-Esteem
Self-esteem and self-perception are very influential in how addiction or a mental health concern manifest. Often, negative self-esteem is a roadblock that must be overcome to make concerted progress. Meeting goals and seeing tangible progress is a proven way to improve self-esteem during therapy.
3. CBT Builds Positive Thought Patterns
Addiction and mental health disorders often involve negative thought patterns that can dominate peoples’ lives. Undoing those patterns and replacing them with healthier schemas is a major focus of CBT. The benefits of CBT can almost be perceived in real-time as people develop a mindset that contributes to their healing and recovery.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Manages Anger and Guilt
Anger and guilt are two emotions that hold people back from progress in therapy. One of the benefits of CBT is that it supports healthy anger management, equips people with coping mechanisms, and provides a safe outlet for negative emotions. Relatedly, CBT also helps people improve their communication skills. The action-first ethos of CBT means people actively work on bettering their communication skills so that they can resolve relationship issues and repair the damage their disorder may have caused to those around them. Effective communication is also essential in advocating for oneself.
5. CBT Can Help Prevent Relapse
Relapse is incredibly common among people in addiction recovery. Rates of relapse are even higher among people with co-occurring mental health disorders. CBT is able to address co-occurring disorders simultaneously, which in turn helps prevent relapse.
Experience the Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Athens Recovery
The benefits of CBT are clear and varied. Perhaps most important of all, it is widely applicable in treating numerous addictions and mental health concerns. Some of the most common issues treated by CBT include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Addiction
Despite CBT’s multiple benefits, it should not be viewed as a magic bullet in overcoming addiction. Rather, it is best utilized within a comprehensive treatment plan that connects people to multiple avenues of support, education, and resources. Every client at Athens Recovery can expect a personalized approach to treatment that takes their unique needs into account.
Athens Recovery offers cognitive-behavioral therapy alongside a host of other evidence-based interventions to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns. Discover cognitive-behavioral therapy benefits by contacting 844.959.4998 or by reaching out to our team online today.
