Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), first developed by Dr. Aaron Beck, was originally designed to treat individuals with depression. Its main goal is to help people better understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Negative self-beliefs often contribute to a cycle of unhealthy actions, and CBT works to break that cycle by identifying and reframing harmful thought patterns.
Today, CBT is widely used by mental health professionals to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Because individuals struggling with substance abuse often face co-occurring mental health challenges, CBT has also proven to be an effective tool for addiction recovery. Unlike many other forms of therapy, CBT is typically short-term, with clear, measurable goals for each session—and some people begin to see results within just one month. During each session, a therapist works closely with you to identify harmful thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive perspectives.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help with Substance Abuse?
CBT is especially effective for substance abuse treatment because it helps individuals understand how their internal thoughts influence their external behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use. At its core, CBT focuses on two key questions:
- Is this thought accurate?
- Is this thought helpful?
By consistently exploring these questions, individuals can identify which beliefs and attitudes are untrue or unhelpful and make a conscious choice to change them. Naming and challenging these harmful cognitive patterns is the first step toward building healthier coping mechanisms.
CBT sessions are conducted one-on-one with a trained mental health counselor and can be integrated into either inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. While group and family therapy provide valuable opportunities for practicing communication and relationship-building, the CBT process begins with individual work—helping the person in recovery create a strong foundation for change.At RETHINKING THE PROCESS, our addiction treatment specialists guide you in developing kinder, more conscious self-talk so you can truly believe you deserve a life free from substance use as a coping mechanism.
Healing begins the moment you reach out.
Let our experienced, culturally inclusive team guide you toward a healthier, more hopeful tomorrow. Contact us today.