Exploring the Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Florida

When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction treatment, comprehensive treatment plans made up of several types of therapies are often the most effective for achieving long-term recovery. One of the most widely used treatments in recovery is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has the highest level of empirical support for the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida can help change negative thinking and behavioral patterns that have contributed to substance abuse. It is also useful in treating co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Understanding Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used to treat a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. It is one of the most common and best-studied forms of psychotherapy. CBT can help people learn how to identify and change negative thinking patterns that influence their behaviors and emotions. It aims to change automatic negative thoughts which can lead to or worsen emotional difficulties, such as depression and anxiety.

Individuals struggling with substance use disorders can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida as it can treat the underlying causes of addiction. Automatic negative thoughts are often the root cause of common co-occurring disorders in addiction such as anxiety and depression. These automatic negative thoughts can drive someone to abuse drugs or alcohol. CBT can provide coping skills and tools to better the person’s mood, reducing triggers that lead to substance abuse.

How CBT Works

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be done through individual and group therapy. Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, CBT focuses on present thoughts and feelings. A therapist will help the person identify thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that result in negative behaviors, such as substance abuse. This helps to gain insight into why the person drinks or uses drugs in the first place. A therapist may ask the client to recall the last time they used drugs or alcohol and ask questions such as:

• How were you feeling?
• What were you doing before you used drugs or alcohol?
• What happened right after?
• What were the negative consequences of your actions?

Once the therapist and client have a better understanding of the difficulties that contribute to substance abuse, they can look for ways to better manage difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations. CBT can help the person unlearn dysfunctional behaviors and adopt healthy coping skills. Therapists will encourage patients to adapt these new coping skills in situations that would typically trigger drug or alcohol use.

Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Individuals who use drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings, thoughts, or situations, can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida by learning to recognize and challenge them. They can adopt better coping skills and improve their outlook which supports long-term recovery.

Some ways that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be beneficial in addiction recovery include:

• Provides quick results. Because CBT focuses on the present and teaches coping strategies, individuals can quickly apply what they learn to their everyday lives.
• Raises awareness of negative thinking. CBT helps people to become aware of distorted and negative thought patterns so they can be transformed into something more accurate and positive.
• Improves self-esteem. Mental health issues are often associated with low self-esteem, which feeds the cycle of negative thought patterns or beliefs. CBT can challenge untrue assumptions and help people develop more realistic ways of thinking to improve their overall self-image.
• Develops new coping skills. CBT can teach new coping skills and strategies to use in stressful situations, which can quickly be applied.
• Better emotional management. Through CBT, people can learn to quickly identify strong feelings before they become too intense and learn techniques that keep them from becoming overwhelmed.
• Prevents relapse. By better managing mental health conditions tied to substance abuse, the person may no longer experience negative thoughts or feelings that have led them to drug or alcohol abuse in the past. They can also better manage difficult situations which may lead to relapse.

Why Choose CBT in Florida?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida is an evidence-based therapy widely used to treat drug and alcohol addiction. It provides practical skills that can help anyone deal with thoughts, behaviors, or situations that have resulted in substance abuse in the past. CBT teaches self-awareness, emotional control, and rational thinking which can help individuals lead healthier, happier lives.

Treatment will not only help manage substance use disorders, but also co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Individuals can expect to experience overall stress reduction, which is not only beneficial for their mental health but also their physical health. Stress has been linked to a wide range of physical issues including cardiovascular disease, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Techniques learned in CBT can be used throughout the recovery journey and applied long after treatment ends, reducing the risk of relapse.

CBT at WhiteSands Treatment

WhitSands Treatment is a network of drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in Florida. Every recovery program begins with a thorough assessment so our clinicians can create a personalized treatment plan composed of a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy as part of our treatment programs to help patients overcome addiction and maintain recovery long after their program has ended. However, CBT may be only one part of the treatment program. We provide different types of therapy and treatments to ensure we meet the needs of each patient. Our clinicians will closely monitor patient progress and adapt treatment plans to how they respond to each type of therapy.

Integrating CBT with Other Therapies

Drug and alcohol addiction is complex and there is no single approach to treating substance use disorders. Effective treatment requires a combination of different therapies including medication management, group therapy, family therapy, and other types of psychotherapy. CBT is integrated into different therapies and treatment programs to help patients heal the complexities of each person’s emotions, behaviors, and experiences. Clinicians can work together to coordinate multiple therapeutic modalities and find what works best for each patient. Combining different methods allows therapists to create a more personalized and holistic treatment to address diverse needs.  

What to Expect During CBT Sessions

Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions can be part of individual and group therapy sessions. Every treatment is personalized to each patient, so every person may experience CBT differently. However, typically individual CBT sessions may include:

• A thorough intake during the first session with questions based on current lifestyle, presenting challenges, family history, and situations that have impacted substance abuse.
• Questions and exercises to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Going over what you did and discussed in previous sessions as well as what progress has been made.
• Discussing expected goals and how to reach them.
• Learn mindfulness and other coping skills.
• Learn communication skills.
• Plan positive and pleasurable activities.
• Homework on areas to work on and strategies to implement.

How to Get Started with CBT at WhiteSands Treatment

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and are ready to start the recovery process, WhiteSands Treatment is available 24 hours a day to take your calls and get you started on the admissions process. Our compassionate clinical staff can answer any questions you may have and conduct an initial evaluation to determine what treatment program may be best suited for you. They can also verify your insurance to determine what is covered and any out-of-pocket costs you can expect.

To get started with cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida at WhiteSands Treatment, please give us a call today at (877) 855-3470.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.