Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction in Springfield, IL

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic modality that allows the patient and therapist to work together to overcome issues like addiction. It examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors as well as self-destructive actions like substance use.

CBT is problem-focused and goal-oriented and directly addresses the challenging symptoms associated with addiction. CBT is far from passive, so patients can expect to be active participants in their own care. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions focus on:

• Changing negative, and often deeply rooted, thoughts, beliefs and values
• Improving emotional regulation
• Developing personal coping skills to address cravings and triggers

Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment

If you struggle with destructive and negative thinking, you are not alone. These unhealthy cognitive distortions are very common among those who struggle with addiction. Cognition affects your overall health and well-being. Recognizing and changing these harmful thought patterns is essential to recovery.

When used as part of your individualized addiction treatment program, cognitive-behavioral therapy offers a variety of benefits:

• Explores patterns of behavior, thoughts and beliefs that have led to addiction
• Modifies thought and behavior patterns
• Replaces negative feelings with positive ones
• Teaches acceptance so patients focus on facing and solving challenges rather than avoiding them
• Focuses on solutions rather than problems
• Teaches patients practical and helpful strategies to deal with triggers like stress
• Helps prevent addiction relapse