What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for drug rehab in Florida?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is widely used in Florida in numerous addiction treatment programs. It aims to teach recovering addicts how to find connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and how those can impact their recovery. Therapists help recovering addicts identify their negative “automatic thoughts,” which are based on impulse and come from feelings of self-doubt and fear. Automatic thoughts can make someone more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol because addicts can self-medicate those thoughts and feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps those overcome their addictions by helping dismiss false beliefs and insecurities that lead to substance abuse, provide self-help tools to better moods, teaching effective communication skills, and managing triggers.

Another beneficial aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy is that these techniques can be practiced outside of the therapy session. Some of the techniques taught in treatment are thought records, behavioral experiments, imagery-based exposure, and pleasant activity schedules. Thought records help the person think more balanced and less harsh thoughts, and behavioral experiments compare negative and positive thoughts to see which is most effective for the individual. Imagery-based exposure revisits painful memories, frequently examining every detail, which can reduce anxiety over time. Lastly, pleasant activity schedules use fun activities to break up the day, reducing negative thoughts and the need to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is easily adapted, making it effective in inpatient, outpatient, individual, and group counseling environments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a hands-on therapy that has addicts and therapists working cohesively to treat addiction. Many therapists and treatment centers in Florida use this type of therapy as a comprehensive part of their client’s recovery plans. This type of therapy can produce immediate coping techniques, and meaningful results can be seen within as little as 16 sessions, compared to some techniques that can take years.