Cognitive Therapy

When it comes to substance abuse issues, there are several stops on
the road to recovery. Therapy is an important part of the process
because it enables the patient to rationalize behaviors and think
clearly about the future. The therapist acts as a psychological and
emotional guide through the process of rehabilitation. One of the most common forms of therapy is cognitive therapy.

What is Cognitive Therapy?

Cognitive therapy is a type of therapy in which a
therapist or counselor attempts to identify and challenge the cognitive
distortions that govern a patient’s rationale and behavior. This branch
of psychotherapy is founded on the idea that substance abuse is learned,
and therefore it can be unlearned through certain techniques. The
effectiveness of treatment is contingent upon the collaboration between
therapist and patient; there must be a great deal of trust in the
relationship in order to expedience optimally effective treatment. This
type of therapy is usually accompanied by medication, group therapies,
and numbered-step programs.

How Does it Help?

This method attempts to overturn cognitive distortions by challenging
the patient’s previously unquestioned thinking patterns. If people
constantly think that they are worthless or unimportant but refrain from
verbalizing their ideas, no one has the opportunity to challenge them
and convince them otherwise. In cognitive therapy, the therapist draws
out these irrational thoughts and seeks to replace them with more
realistic, positive ideas. The ultimate goal is to break the patient out
of what is referred to as a problem cycle: A pattern of negative
thinking that eventually reinforces itself, becoming a self fulfilling
prophecy.

This therapy is often used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
Behavioral therapy compliments cognitive therapy in that together they
hone in on a patient’s cognitive distortions and then teach the person
how to break free from them by giving them a personal program for
overcoming their obstacles. Therapists help patients develop the ability
to modify their own beliefs and autonomously identify their distorted
thinking. This can help patients change their behaviors and the way they
relate to others.

Why is Cognitive Therapy Important in Addiction Counseling?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is arguably the most effective form of
psychotherapy in current use. This holds true when it comes to
addiction. While detoxification of the body is an important part of the
recovery process, it is one step among many. Therapy is imperative in
order to prevent relapses due to societal and psychological factors.
Therapists are also capable of helping patients with substance abuse
problems develop social skills, manage their emotions and handle any
adversity that they may face in overcoming their addictions.

Recovering from drug or alcohol dependence is not an easy task, but
there are several steps that can be taken to make the process effective
and worthwhile. Cognitive therapy is an important
component to recovery; during this time, therapists can help patients to
identify irrationalities in their thought patterns by challenging their
cognitive distortions and instilling a positive self perception. A
strong relationship between therapist and patient can facilitate a
lasting recovery by supplying the tools needed in order to autonomously
maintain a sober lifestyle.