ClickCease
CBT for Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts

Substance misuse is more common than you may think, and around 9% of people are currently recovering from one form of addiction. Finding the right addiction treatment program in Massachusetts is paramount to recovery because the proper support is always needed to get past drug and alcohol addiction in Massacshuetts.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, may have promising results when it comes to addiction treatment. CBT has been around since the 1960s, and more modern research suggests it could play a vital role in treating and overcoming substance misuse disorders.

To learn more about CBT and the role it plays in addiction treatment, continue reading.

What Exactly Is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment used for particular psychological issues. This includes substance use disorders. In some cases, CBT is superior to other kinds of psychological therapy. For example, some practitioners prefer it to prescribed medications.

CBT relies on several structured ideas to build an effective treatment routine. Firstly, CBT suggests that many psychological issues are based on corrupted ways of thinking.

Secondly, CBT focuses on the patterns of behavior that follow this corrupted thought process. For example, a person may think, “I am not qualified enough to get a job, so I will never get a job, so I will start using drugs to cope with this sadness.” The pattern of misusing substances follows the corrupted thought process.

Finally, CBT focuses on how coping mechanisms can be changed and improved. CBT therapists focus on ways to change patients’ patterns of thought so that they may cope better with their feelings.

Is It Only For Those Suffering From a Substance Use Disorder?

CBT is used to treat many different kinds of mental health disorders. This includes substance use disorders. However, it is also used to treat anxiety, depression, severe paranoia, OCD, and eating disorders.

Many people suffering from substance use disorders find that their addiction is being caused by mental health problems like depression and anxiety. That is why CBT plays such a vital role in treating substance use disorders. It allows a patient to deal with what caused their addiction and helps them to find better coping mechanisms for this.

If you are seeking drug rehab in MA, have a look at Meta Addiction Treatment. They are one of the leading providers of PHP in MA. They are also experts in other forms of treatment, such as CBT.

How Does CBT Therapy Work?

CBT breaks down bigger problems into smaller, more manageable problems. Each of these problems is then dealt with, resulting in the overall problem being completely treated.

A patient’s problems are broken down into five areas that need direct attention. These are thoughts, emotions, situations, the physical manifestation of particular feelings, and, finally, actions. When each of these areas is addressed separately, they are easier to treat.

CBT practitioners work around the idea that all five of these areas relate to one another. They then treat each area based on a patient’s specific problem. For example, those suffering from substance misuse may feel a sad emotion and have the physical feeling of needing a substance to cope with it.

CBT is very structured. This is important for treatment, as it creates a routine of habit-breaking patterns. Once these particular habits are addressed and treated, new and healthier habits can then be formed.

CBT for Addiction Treatment

In many cases (although, not all) substance misuse disorders come from a past inflicted with trauma and/ or abuse. Substance misuse is often a coping mechanism for these underlying issues.

CBT teaches those suffering from substance use disorders how to connect their feelings with their thoughts and actions. This gives them a way to address their past suffering in a safe environment. It also helps them to manage their substance misuse by offering different coping mechanisms.

One real strength of CBT is that it provides practical coping mechanisms. For example, a therapist may roleplay with a patient who is suffering from drug misuse. The therapist will help to show the patient the alternatives to using drugs the next time they feel compelled to do so.

This reconstructs the mind so that the patient is better able to cope with their addiction. Some parts of CBT are trial and error that are practiced until the therapist and patient can create a healthy coping strategy. However, a professional CBT therapist will continue to work with a patient until they achieve the desired results.

Who Offers CBT?

You can find many different CBT practitioners in various locations. However, it is important to work with someone who is a specialist and can sensitively handle substance misuse treatment.

For a medical professional to offer and practice CBT, they must have specialist training. Mental health nurses, psychotherapists, and addiction councilors often have this training as standard, but it is still important to ask. Ensure to ask what CBT qualifications your practitioner has. This is the best way to ensure that the person receiving treatment is getting the highest standard of care.

Medical professionals who offer CBT are required to have certain training because this kind of therapy is so individual-specific. Those suffering from substance misuse disorders may also have trauma in their past, so a CBT therapist must be able to cope with this professionally.

CBT Can Help With Addiction Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy is useful when it comes to addiction treatment. It not only helps those suffering in the present. It is also a healthy and safe way to address the past trauma that may have led to addiction.

CBT therapists understand that no two patients are the same. They prioritize sensitivity and empathy to help those suffering recover at their own pace.

To learn more about CBT and how it can help those with substance use disorders, check out this page. If you need guidance on addiction treatment, reach out to the friendly team. They understand the sensitive nature of substance misuse disorders and are happy to answer any questions.

Are you searching for PHP in MA or IOP in MA that incorporates CBT? You have come to the right place. We offer drug and alcohol rehab in MA. Call us today to learn more about our addiction recovery services.

Is outpatient treatment right for you or your loved ones? Our interactive self-assessment can help you find out.

Photo Disclaimer

Some of the photos used on this site are stock images intended for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in the photos may be a model.