It’s no secret that addiction to certain substances like alcohol and drugs is the leading cause of death in the United States. The number of alcoholics is constantly growing, especially among younger people. While addiction to drugs is also a psychological disorder that affects behavior and brain chemistry, cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses more on the mental aspects of substance abuse.
CBT therapy is often designed to reduce emotional symptoms and negative thoughts that are related to substance use. People who have developed addictions to drugs or alcohol usually do so as a result of a life-threatening event. These events, such as financial crises, job loss, or death of a family member, are not just random occurrences; they occur for reasons that are related to these underlying reasons. As a result, those who develop addictions tend to have trouble dealing with the emotions and thoughts that result from these life-threatening events. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps those with addictions to deal with these emotions and thoughts through counseling and psychotherapy.
Drug addiction treatment programs may include both individual and group sessions. In the group sessions, people are taught how to develop effective communication skills that will allow them to address feelings and thoughts related to their addiction more effectively. Those who receive treatment often benefit from group therapy sessions because these sessions allow them to interact with other individuals with substance abuse problems. While therapy can be beneficial to the individual, it is also necessary for the treatment to reach its full potential. Because addiction is a mental disorder, it’s important for those with addictions to interact with a qualified professional. A mental health specialist is an excellent choice for this role. They are able to help people learn about the causes and effects of addiction and provide them with a variety of different forms of treatment.
