Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that’s commonly used to treat addictions. CBT identifies how thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected.
By challenging and restructuring harmful, negative or distorted thoughts, CBT helps in treating addictions because it supports people to find healthier ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Having more options available, means they are less likely to use addictive substances.
CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented style of psychotherapy that’s used in the treatment of all kinds of addiction.
It works by identifying harmful thought patterns that are often exaggerated, distorted, mistaken or unrealistic. When we have these types of thoughts, they often trigger uncomfortable or intolerable feelings (such as dread, panic or fear) and/or physical sensations (like a racing heart or sweating).
For people struggling with an addiction, using drugs or alcohol is often a way to escape such difficult feelings. This cycle can lead to people developing an addiction due to underlying psychological factors or a pre-existing mental health condition.
The goal of CBT for addiction is twofold:
During a session with a therapist, you can expect to work through a series of exercises that are designed to help you recognise what triggers your addictive behaviour. You’ll also be guided to modify existing thought patterns.
A CBT therapist will also teach you new ways to manage your stress, reduce your cravings and/or risky behaviours, manage your emotions more effectively and adopt healthier coping skills.
Although CBT is considered a short-term therapy, the skills you learn during your sessions equip you with the strategies you need to prevent a relapse. You can then use these strategies yourself at any time now or in the future.
CBT is an effective way to treat addictions and it can be easily combined with the 12-step approach. CBT has a range of benefits, such as:
CBT is considered to be one of the most effective methods of therapy, with the frontiers in Psychiatry journal labelling it as the gold standard technique of psychotherapy.
The flexibility of CBT means that it can be tailored to individual needs, making it a useful treatment in the short-term as well as in ongoing recovery. A study in Psychiatric Clinics of North America found that one year after CBT treatment for cocaine addiction effectively prevented a relapse in 60% of patients.
As well as CBT, other therapies that can be used to treat addiction, often in combination with CBT. Taking a multi-therapy approach allows for comprehensive treatment, addressing various aspects of addiction, like motivation, coping strategies and social support.
A multi-therapy treatment plan is particularly beneficial when treating more complex addictions. For example, people with co-occurring mental health issues might benefit from DBT’s emotional regulation tools alongside CBT’s behavioural strategies.
Providers of treatment for addiction, such as Priory, are likely to offer the following therapies for those struggling with addiction.
DBT is a type of CBT that focuses less on changing thought patterns and more on behaviour change, acceptance and mindfulness. It’s particularly useful for managing emotional regulation and impulse control.
12-step programmes have helped millions of people to overcome their addictions. This type of therapy takes place mainly within structured support groups that focus on peer support and spiritual growth. At Priory, our multi-therapy approach often combines the 12-step programme with CBT.
Family therapy involves family members working together with a therapist to improve communication, resolve conflicts and address issues affecting the family dynamic. The focus is on how the family can most effectively support the person recovering from addiction, alongside their individual treatment plan.
There are other effective methods that are known to be used to treat addictions, but their availability isn’t as widespread.
MI excels as an addiction therapy as it focuses on motivation and commitment to change, helping people to overcome any ambivalence they have about quitting.
Central to this approach to therapy is the belief that rewarding behaviours means they are more likely to be repeated. Rather than punishing or shaming people for using drugs, CM uses rewards to reinforce positive behaviours, such as maintaining sobriety.
To begin CBT for addiction treatment, start by researching qualified therapists who specialise in addiction. You can find them through recommendations from your GP or online directories.
Many free services have a high level of demand, meaning you could face long waiting lists until you are able to access them.
Costs vary but private CBT sessions in the UK typically range from £50 to £150 per hour, with some practitioners offering sessions covered by health insurance.
Private addiction treatment, which may include use of CBT, is also available at Priory.
Start by booking a free addiction assessment or by contacting us. The assessment is a confidential opportunity to discuss your symptoms and hear about our treatment options with one of our expert team.
At Priory, addiction treatment frequently includes CBT, 12-step programmes and other methods, according to the needs of each individual.
Options vary depending on a variety of factors but you can expect to discuss the best treatment for you with our expert staff. This may be a 28-day inpatient programme, where detox can take place alongside CBT and other therapies, or as an outpatient where treatment can be accessed on a daily or weekly basis.
Priory’s tailored recovery plans and aftercare support long-term recovery.
