BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Behavioral therapies are based on basic principles of learning theory, which deals with the
role of externally applied positive or negative contingencies on learning or unlearning of behaviors that can range from simple autonomic reactions such as salivation to complex behavioral routines such as purchasing drugs. When these theories are applied to substance use disorders, the target behavior is habitual excessive substance use, which is altered through systematic environmental manipulations that vary widely depending on the specific substance use behavior. These theories differ from those underlying CBTs by not recognizing cognition as a domain independent of behavior.
The shared goals of behavioral therapies are to interrupt the sequence of substance use in response to internal or external cues and substitute behaviors that take the place of or are incompatible with substance use. There are two broad classes of learning theory-based treatments: 1) those that are based on classical conditioning and focus more on antecedent stimuli such as cue exposure therapy and 2) those that are based on operant conditioning and focus more on consequences such as community reinforcement therapy. Representative behavioral approaches are briefly described here.
Substance use is one of the most widespread problems for which treatment is designed by Los Angeles and Orange County intensive outpatient and residential addiction treatment programs.
If you have questions whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if you believe you or a loved one may be an addict please click here.
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