Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dual Diagnosis Drug Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a clinical term for a type of treatment that focuses on the way an individual understands and relates to the world around them. A combination approach born out of Cognitive Therapy, behavior modification, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, CBT is most often used in combination with psychotherapeutic medications to treat:

• Mood disorders - depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia
• Anxiety disorders - anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Somatoform disorder (hypochondria)
• Schizophrenia

Methods of treatment include ongoing self-assessments of personal or childhood beliefs, analyzing new information, shedding unrealistic views and practicing rational ways of reacting to situations. Distraction and relaxation techniques are sometimes integrated for patients who have trouble or are resentful of making changes in conduct.

Assignments such as a personal log of events describing related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are used to uncover hidden motivators that may inhibit a patient's progress. Gradual exposure to fearful events helps build confidence through positive reinforcement.

Objectives of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Dual Diagnosis Drug Treatment

Social isolation and avoidance of activities may seem like the best choice for someone who "can never do anything right" as it lessens the burden of painful feelings. In the long run, however, this approach only intensifies the anger, anxiety, depression, and distrust experienced by individuals caught in their own self-fulfilling prophecies. Clients and therapists must work together to break this cycle of negative reinforcement by:

1) Addressing irrational and counterproductive thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that lead to distressing negative emotions
2) Acknowledging how these can be maladaptive, flawed, or just plain impractical
3) Replacing the destructive thoughts with flexible, rational considerations of external events

Little by little, successful interactions become easier, feelings of hopelessness are alleviated and interpersonal relationships grow deeper and more meaningful. Self-awareness allows you to be in control of your own destiny, rather than relying on the "perfect" set of circumstances to determine whether you're going to have a good day.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders in Drug Rehab

Positive results have been observed in patients undergoing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy without any assistance from supporting medication. Comprehensive studies report a 48 percent rate of remission for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy alone. When combined with anti-depressant drug therapy, the rate of remission jumps to 73 percent.

Relapse is rare with CBT as the role of the therapist is more like that of a teacher who attempts to educate each patient about the necessity of challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. Fostering these essential observation skills leads to greater self-sufficiency, self-control, and higher self-esteem.

While the principles may seem simple, months of practice and regular counseling sessions are often necessary for overcoming a lifetime of dysfunctional habits.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Drug Rehab and the Co-Occurring Disorder of Depression

When a person suffers from a major depressive disorder, a constant barrage of negative thought patterns tends to be the culprit. These cognitive distortions appear to be automatic and uncontrollable due to the emotional upheaval that quickly develops. All that is needed is some assistance with cognitive self-analysis and restructuring using the A + B = C method:

Activating events (external stimulus)
+ Beliefs (assumptions, negative thoughts)
Consequence (disturbed feelings, dysfunctional behavior)

By changing the only variable that we have control over (our beliefs, assumptions, and negative thoughts) we change the outcome and react responsibly. The process of reframing helps develop a more rational belief system and positive coping strategies.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Dual Diagnosis Drug Treatment at The Canyon

The Canyon has assembled a multidisciplinary clinical staff that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, alcohol and drug abuse counselors, and nurses who have been cross-trained and immersed in the principles and practices of treating the complex needs of those with co-occurring disorders. Each client's treatment plan is developed by a master's level therapist and reviewed weekly by the full clinical team.

Individuals will participate in at least two hours of individual therapy weekly and a minimum of 100 hours of group therapy each month.

Call The Canyon today at to get started on a better you.

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