What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily used for in substance abuse treatment?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is primarily focused on helping individuals recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their substance use. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs, individuals can work toward replacing them with healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking.

CBT equips individuals with coping strategies to manage triggers and cravings, helping them to develop skills for avoiding relapse. This method fosters self-awareness and encourages the individual to take an active role in their own recovery process, contributing to long-term changes in behavior and improved emotional regulation.

The focus of CBT on modifying negative thinking distinguishes it from options that emphasize medication or physical symptoms, which do not address the underlying cognitive processes that often perpetuate substance use. Therefore, its effectiveness in substance abuse treatment lies in the ability to reshape thought patterns and behaviors that lead to and sustain addiction.