This is especially true when it’s part of an overall program of recovery.
It is a short-term, focused therapeutic approach to helping drug-dependent people become abstinent.
This helps determine the risks that are likely to lead to a relapse.
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This helps identify situations in which the person has coping difficulties.
The goal of CBT is to get the person to unlearn maladaptive behaviors and learn or relearn better-coping skills.
Skills training works by:
Another aspect of skills training is helping people learn to bettertolerate feelings of distress.
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Cognitive behavioral treatments are one of the most frequently evaluated psychosocial approaches to treating substance use disorders.
In these studies, CBT has been shown most effective when compared with having no other treatment at all.
When compared with other treatment approaches, studies have had mixed results.
This includes participation in support groups likeAlcoholics AnonymousorNarcotics Anonymous.
Long story shortcognitive behavioral therapy works well for some, but not for everyone.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.Chapter 4Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy.Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse.
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McHugh RK, Hearon BA, Otto MW.Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
