12/02/2025
Serenity Wellness
BENEFITS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
It’s common for individuals struggling with substance use disorder to have destructive, negative thinking. Not recognizing these thought patterns are harmful, they seek treatment for depression or other external influences. Since cognition affects our wellbeing, changing harmful thought patterns is essential. CBT addresses harmful thought patterns, which help clients recognize their ability to practice alternative ways of thinking, and regulates distressing emotions and harmful behavior.
As a research-based treatment modality, CBT is an effective treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and specific mental health diagnoses. An active therapeutic modality, CBT is present-oriented, problem-focused, and goal-directed, which may provide the following benefits:
•CBT explores the client’s patterns of behavior leading to self-destructive actions and beliefs that direct these thoughts
•CBT allows clients and therapists to work together in a therapeutic relationship to identify harmful thought patterns and actively seek alternate thinking
•CBT sessions are augmented with homework outside of sessions using AAC’s dual diagnosis curriculum workbook, Embracing Change: Recovery for Life
•CBT can be provided in group and individual therapy
•CBT skills are useful, practical and helpful strategies that can be incorporated into the client’s everyday life
•CBT helps clients formulate coping strategies to handle potential stressors or difficulties following addiction treatment
