Behavioral Therapy’s Role in Drug Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder is a multifaceted challenge with emotional, mental, and physical aspects. Luckily, behavioral therapy offers a reliable treatment for addressing the complexities of drug addiction. Many rehab facilities use this multifaceted treatment option to foster a healthy, happy, and stable recovery lifestyle in patients. Read on to learn how behavioral therapy can help with drug addiction in Torrance, CA.
What is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps patients change negative thoughts and actions, including those that fuel drug addiction. This method views all behaviors as learned, meaning they can be unlearned with the right approach and dedicated practice. It encourages patients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction to understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and the resulting behavior.
When you can identify the link between negative thought patterns and negative behaviors, it’s easier to implement relapse prevention strategies. Patients in drug addiction treatment learn to avoid or resist negative triggers through healthy coping mechanisms.
Types of Behavioral Therapy
As with any branch of psychotherapy, there are many approaches to behavioral therapy. This variety allows practitioners to tailor addiction treatment programs to their needs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
You’ve likely heard of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s the most well-known and practiced branch of behavioral therapy, focusing on the relationship between thoughts/beliefs and behavior. Changing negative thought patterns can lead to improved behavior.
Applied behavioral analysis
This form of behavioral therapy is often used for those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, it can be just as effective for those struggling with substance use disorders. Applied behavioral analysis breaks down negative behaviors into manageable chunks, allowing patients to work through seemingly complex problems more easily.
Dialectical behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT, but it also includes strategies for emotional regulation and focuses on repairing interpersonal relationships. This approach reinforces the importance of social support networks to those working through drug addiction.
How Does Behavioral Therapy Help Addiction Recovery?
Behavioral therapy is a staple of many drug addiction treatments in Torrance, CA. Since substance abuse is a behavior rooted in mental and emotional triggers, behavioral therapy is perfectly designed to address this complex challenge.
Patients will learn to identify the situations, beliefs, and emotional triggers that lead to drug and alcohol addiction. Once aware of these triggers, patients work with professionals to develop relapse prevention strategies, often including healthier ways to cope with stress. You’ll learn communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, stress management, mindfulness, and other practices. You’ll also set realistic goals that serve as stepping stones toward stable sobriety.
The Effects of Behavioral Therapy on Mental Health
Drug addiction often coincides with and is fueled by mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders. The negative thoughts and emotions they cause often lead to coping through substance abuse. Behavioral therapy addresses these mental health challenges, reframing negative thoughts and providing healthy coping mechanisms for painful feelings. Beyond drug addiction treatment, behavioral therapy can improve overall well-being, helping patients cultivate a positive self-image and reducing the intensity of emotional distress.
Find Recovery Support at Twin Town Treatment Centers
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Twin Town Treatment Centers can help. We provide flexible outpatient treatment programs that work with your schedule, allowing patients to receive the necessary support without incurring stress from missed work. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy and other strategies to help patients foster a sober and satisfying lifestyle. Call Twin Town Treatment Centers today at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule an initial assessment.
