Is a cognitive behavioral therapy program (CBT) the best treatment for addiction, in terms of the types of behavioral therapy typically used to help people heal from it?
Of course, it’s well-documented that most addiction treatment programs won’t admit guests who don’t go through detox therapy. So in terms of therapy overall, it’s detoxification–medical or otherwise–that seems to be the best addiction treatment. Detox is the first step, after all. However, after that initial step, addiction treatment works best if it’s customized based on a person’s needs. Most treatment programs do include CBT or another type of behavioral therapy.
To learn more about choosing the right addiction treatment program in Ohio, reach out to Midwest Detox Center. Contact our team online or call 833.647.0392.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
First of all, CBT is one of the most commonly used addiction treatment therapies. Apart from addiction, though, CBT is a form of psychological treatment that is also effective in managing anxiety and depression disorders, eating disorders, and other severe mental illnesses. It’s even been shown as an effective form of care when used to manage marital problems.
Many studies show that CBT treatment leads to significant improvement in functioning and increasing quality of life. CBT has also been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, psychiatric medications or other forms of psychological therapy.
CBT is based on several core principles, including the following:
- Psychological problems are often based on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological problems are also often based on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- Those suffering from psychological problems can learn better and more effective coping methods, thereby relieving their symptoms and increasing their quality of life.
What Are Other Common Addiction Treatment Therapies?
As mentioned earlier, other common addiction therapies used in addiction treatment programs in Ohio include detoxification — specifically, detox that’s helped by medication-assisted treatment (MAT). However, detox is not a quick cure for addiction and should be accompanied by other treatment therapies. Detox may be followed up with any or all of the following:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): If an addiction treatment program doesn’t include CBT, it probably includes another type of behavioral therapy such as DBT. This form of therapeutic care helps guests struggling with addiction by helping them learn several skills — such as distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness — that can be useful when maintaining sobriety.
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT): This form of therapeutic care could help guests recognize their negative thoughts and give them ways to combat feelings of self-defeat. REBT is meant to help guests realize that the power of rational thinking lies within themselves and is not connected to external stressors or situations.
- Contingency management (CM): This type of therapy can treat a wide variety of addictions. CM therapy reinforces positive behavior by giving guests tangible rewards.
- 12-Step facilitation: The prevalence of portrayals of 12-Step programs in media make it the most commonly known type of therapy for addiction treatment. It is a form of group therapy that recognizes that addiction has several negative consequences — which can be social, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Most 12-Step programs begin with acceptance, and then they encourage guests to surrender to a higher power before eventually transitioning to involvement in regular group meetings.
What Should You Expect From Addiction Therapy Programs in Ohio?
A first-time rehab experience can be frightening or intimidating. For most guests, having an idea of what to expect would make them less nervous about going to rehab. Addiction therapy programs in Ohio and the rest of the country typically go through the same stages, which are:
- Intake: This happens when a guest arrives at the treatment facility and gets checked in. Clinical staff members will assess and evaluate the guest by interviewing them about their medical and addiction history. They may even run a few tests to update the guest’s medical records or give a diagnosis that previous medical professionals may have missed.
- Detox: This is a process that’s designed to remove drugs or alcohol from the body after prolonged abuse. It can be a difficult process for some guests, and at times it’s recommended that the process be augmented by MAT.
- Addiction treatment: Various forms of care and different types of therapy may be used during this stage. Most programs will include individual behavioral therapy, family or couples counseling, and skill-building workshops to help guests navigate life after treatment with less anxiety and more tools to handle addiction triggers.
- Aftercare: Before a guest is discharged, the clinical staff should work with them to develop an aftercare or continuing care plan. This may include regular medical evaluations, transitional housing in a sober living home, follow-up counseling, support group membership, and taking advantage of other support services.
Ready To Learn More About the Types of Behavioral Therapy That Midwest Detox Center Offers?
If you’re interested in learning which types of behavioral therapy are best for you or someone you care about, reach out to Midwest Detox Center. Contact us online or call 833.647.0392.
