Practical Tools for Sobriety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Addiction in Fort Lauderdale

Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

Your Thoughts Have Been Running the Show

“I can’t do this.” “One drink won’t hurt.” “I’m a failure anyway.” These types of thoughts pop into your mind before you are even aware of them. Then, before you know it, you are using again. The connection is simple: your thoughts cause your feelings, your feelings cause your actions, and your actions keep you trapped in addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Agape Treatment Center teaches you how to replace those old, unproductive thought patterns with more beneficial ones. CBT is not merely about learning what causes you to use substances; it also helps you establish practical skills for dealing with substance use, your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and research-supported therapy approach to help people recognize and change the cognitive and behavioral patterns that lead to substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.[1] CBT is based on the principle that all three components of thought, feeling, and behavior are interrelated. By changing the way we think, we can change the way we feel and how we behave.

In an addiction treatment facility, CBT benefits the patient by helping them become aware of their automatic thoughts and patterns of thought that lead to substance abuse, challenge the irrational beliefs that arise from their automatic thoughts, and develop practical skills for coping with cravings, triggers, and difficult emotions. CBT is time-limited therapy that is goal-directed, and the intervention is delivered through structured therapy sessions lasting between 12 and 20 weeks.

CBT, as part of an individual treatment plan for addiction, includes exploring cognitive distortions, behavioral activation, problem-solving skills, and relapse prevention. A board-certified CBT therapist or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) will use structured interventions to create lasting changes in the patient. Agape Treatment Center in South Florida uses CBT for substance abuse as part of an evidence-based, comprehensive treatment plan.

How CBT Works for Addiction

CBT and addiction treatment work together by addressing the root causes of substance use—the thoughts and beliefs that drive addictive behavior. The foundation of CBT is understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learning to interrupt destructive cycles.

The CBT Model: Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors

CBT works to address the core reasons for using substances, specifically, the thoughts and beliefs leading to addiction.

Because CBT is based on the premise that feelings and actions are created by our evaluation of the situation rather than the situation itself, people who think that they cannot handle the stress of a situation without drinking will become anxious and powerless, resulting in drinking. CBT works with patients to recognize their automatic negative thoughts, evaluate their accuracy, replace them with more realistic, balanced thoughts, and challenge and dispute the negative thoughts with evidence.

Common cognitive distortions associated with addiction include:

Black or white thinking: “Since I used, I have failed completely. There is nothing I can do to be successful in recovery.”
Catastrophizing: “Everything is ruined.”
Mind reading: “Everyone else thinks I’m worthless.”
Rationalization: “I deserve to use today because it has been such a bad day.”

CBT Techniques and Interventions

Some CBT strategies for dealing with substance abuse include:

Thought records: To document your thoughts from the time of your substance use.
Behavioral experiments: To test your negative thoughts through practical, real-world experiences.
Exposure therapy: Gradually exposing yourself to your negative thoughts without the use of substances.
Skills-based intervention: Establishing techniques for solving problems, managing stress, communicating effectively with others, and managing your feelings.

The one-on-one therapy sessions you have with your CBT therapist will provide you with the opportunity to become proficient with the various strategies before applying them to your real-life experiences.

Healing together

Efficacy of CBT for Substance Abuse

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating substance use disorders has been well documented through extensive research. Key findings include:

CBT is effective in treating a variety of substances

Studies have demonstrated positive outcomes for alcohol, opiates, stimulants, marijuana, and other types of substance use disorders while decreasing the actual amount being used.[2]

CBT has long-lasting results

CBT teaches skills that provide ongoing benefits even after therapy, and the application of the techniques is strengthened over time.[3]

CBT is effective in treating co-occurring disorders:

CBT is effective for treating co-occurring mental health disorders that frequently accompany substance use disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and panic attacks.[4]

CBT is adaptable across various populations

CBT has been shown to be effective with adolescents, young adults, adults, and elderly patients, those from many different cultures, and members of the LGBTQ community.[5]

CBT complements other therapies

CBT can complement other forms of therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, family therapy, and medication-assisted therapy.[6]

Meta-analyses have demonstrated that the cognitive-behavioral approach to psychotherapy results in superior outcomes compared to no treatment and results that are comparable or superior to other forms of empirically supported psychotherapy.[7]

What to Expect from CBT Therapy

If you are new to CBT and have never experienced the process, you may be wondering what to expect and how CBT differs from typical talk therapy. CBT is more action-oriented and structured than traditional psychotherapy, focusing on solving current problems as opposed to analyzing what has occurred in the past.

CBT therapy will use a collaborative and practical approach to assist you in changing the thoughts and behaviors that are preventing you from overcoming substance abuse. Your CBT therapist will serve as your guide and assist you in learning the skills required to succeed by teaching you how to practice those skills rather than simply listening to your discussion of the problems that you are experiencing.

A typical CBT session includes:

01

Initial Check-In

An initial agenda and check-in between you and your therapist to identify any substance use or difficulty with the week leading up to your therapy session.

02

Homework Review

A review of any homework you completed and what you learned from completing the homework.

03

Skill Building

Skill-building consists of being taught a new CBT technique or developing one of the skills learned previously in CBT, like cognitive restructuring, coping skills, emotional regulation, or problem-solving techniques.

04

Skill Practice

Practicing the skill during the session by role-playing through a scenario that has been difficult for you, or both of you reviewing a thought log to identify if you are able to accurately assess the validity of your thoughts.

05

Homework Assignment

Assigning a specific homework assignment for you to practice the skills learned in real-world situations until your next therapy appointment.

Agape Wide Range of Treatment

CBT Therapy in Fort Lauderdale at Agape Treatment Center

At Agape Treatment Center, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy delivered by experienced, board-certified clinicians and licensed mental health counselors with years of experience treating substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Located in Winston Manor, right outside of Fort Lauderdale, our treatment center is in a serene environment and provides both in-person and telehealth CBT sessions, making evidence-based care accessible regardless of your schedule or location. We integrate CBT therapy with other treatment modalities to create comprehensive, personalized treatment plans.

Our Approach to CBT

Our CBT program recognizes that while the core techniques are evidence-based and structured, each person’s path through addiction and recovery is unique. We tailor CBT interventions to your specific substance use patterns, triggers, co-occurring disorders, and personal goals.

Our approach includes:

01

Highly Trained Licensed Mental Health Clinicians

All of our CBT therapists have significant training in both addiction psychiatry and integrated mental health treatment.

02

Coordination of Treatment

03

Multiple Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

04

Practicum-Based Skills Training

New Journey

Changing Your Mind, Changing Your Life

At Agape, we are committed to not just helping you eliminate drug and alcohol use in your life, but to help you eliminate the negative thought patterns that led you there in the first place.

Through learning how to recognize and challenge your distorted thoughts, develop healthy coping skills, and engage in positive responses to challenges without resorting to drugs, you will not only achieve your success but also become aware of abilities that you never knew existed.

Recovery starts with recognizing you have the power to change how you think, feel, and act.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about CBT Therapy for Substance Abuse

How is CBT different from regular talk therapy?

CBT is more structured and action-oriented than typical talk therapy. Rather than spending years discussing your childhood and past events, CBT focuses on your current issues and teaches skills to deal with them. CBT sessions have agendas, require you to complete homework, and reinforce the use of newly learned coping strategies and thought processes. While typical psychotherapy may give you insight into how you developed your addiction, CBT gives you concrete tools for changing your thoughts and behaviors that contribute to it.

What are some specific CBT techniques for substance abuse?

Some examples of specific CBT techniques that help with addictions include thought records (tracking situations, thoughts, feelings, and actions to find patterns), cognitive restructuring (challenging and replacing thoughts that are distorted), urge surfing (not engaging in a craving but just feeling it come and go), behavioral activation (doing pleasurable activities to boost your mood), problem-solving (using a systematic method to deal with challenging situations), and relapse prevention planning.

Does CBT work for co-occurring mental health disorders?

Yes. CBT is highly effective for treating those mental health disorders that commonly exist along with an addiction, such as anxiety disorders, social anxiety, panic disorder, major depression, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, phobias, and low self-esteem.[8] In many cases, addressing co-occurring disorders through CBT will help you reduce your substance use because you will be addressing the underlying issues that are prompting you to self-medicate with substances.

How long does CBT therapy for addiction take?

CBT for substance abuse is generally considered to be a short-term therapy of 12 to 20 weeks; however, actual treatment length varies from person to person, and depends on the individual’s personal needs and progress. Some people may require extended CBT treatment due to the complexity of their trauma or due to having multiple co-occurring disorders. However, the major advantage of CBT is that you will use the skills that you have learned long after you have completed the therapy session—research demonstrates that the effects of CBT continue to increase over time through continued application of the techniques that you learned in therapy.[9]

Can I do CBT online, or does it have to be in-person?

CBT can be effectively delivered by telehealth and face-to-face. According to research, CBT delivered via telehealth has equivalent outcomes to face-to-face deliveries.[10] Agape Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale offers both face-to-face and telehealth CBT sessions, allowing you to select the delivery format that works best for you in terms of time, location, and personal preferences.

Sources

[1] American Psychological Association. (2017, July). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

[2] McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 511–525. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897895/

[3] [9] Carroll, K. M., Ball, S. A., Martino, S., Nich, C., Babuscio, T. A., Nuro, K. F., Gordon, M. A., Portnoy, G. A., & Rounsaville, B. J. (2009). Enduring effects of a computer-assisted training program for cognitive behavioral therapy: A 6-month follow-up of CBT4CBT. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 100(3), 178–181. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2742309/

[4] [7] [8] Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3584580/

[5] Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., Leung, V. W. Y., Iacono, G., Pang, N., Dillon, F., & Dobinson, C. (2021). Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults. BMC Psychology, 9(1), 94. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00595-6

[6] McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 511–525. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897895/

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