Drug addiction is a progressive neurological disease which requires clinical treatment. The only way for addicts to achieve long-term sobriety is through holistic treatment programs which address the physiological, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Some of the most proven techniques for treating addiction are known as “evidence-based therapies” because of their rigorous testing and government approval. These methods include individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and family therapy. Overall, these therapies are designed to teach addicts coping mechanisms for dealing with future cravings.

However, many rehabilitation clinics across the United States use other highly-successful treatment methods. For treating the mental problems associated with addiction, clinicians often employ cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy teaches addicts that their emotions and behaviors are controlled by their thoughts – and thus well within their control while sober. This is hugely important for addicts, as control issues are often what lead to drug use in the first place.

There are two main components of cognitive-behavioral therapy: analysis and response training. During the analysis phase of this therapy, clinicians help patients discover some of the root causes of their drug use and addictions. Addicts learn to recognize the thoughts and feelings they experience when they crave drugs.

For example, some alcoholics may come to realize that they impulsively drink whenever they become nervous or frightened. On the other hand, people addicted to cocaine, meth, or other stimulants may find that high workloads and feelings of anxiety drive them to use drugs. Overall, learning about these drug-associated feelings is crucial for addicts to develop effective mechanisms for dealing with cravings. By identifying dangerous emotions, they can then learn to think through their problems and alter their mental states in healthier ways.

Addicts learn these coping mechanisms during response training. After identifying the emotions which trigger their drug use, patients learn healthy ways to proactively prevent negative feelings and react productively when they occur.

For instance, people who typically use marijuana when stressed might learn to instead deal with their stress through meditation or objective analysis of their problems. They might also learn to avoid stressors in the first place by analyzing the areas in their life which most often lead to depressive thoughts and feelings. Negative relationships, co-occurring mental illnesses, and financial difficulties are problems which addicts can address during cognitive behavioral therapy.

Like most other addiction treatment methods – and like the disease of addiction itself – cognitive behavioral therapy is progressive. It requires consistent effort from rehab patients and clinicians alike and is typically just one component of many in a comprehensive treatment program. Although residential inpatient programs are the most involved and most effective at treating severe cases of addiction, patients can receive this therapy during partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment, as well.

Whatever your situation is, help is available now. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, follow the links below for a toll-free, no-obligation consultation. Our dedicated addiction specialists will help you find a treatment plan that fits your budget, your life, and your specific drug problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get help today.