The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Addiction is the chronic and inappropriate use of a substance or activity that interferes with one’s daily life. Research has shown that addictive substances become engrained in the individual’s coping mechanism. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective form of addiction’s treatment because it is an integrative approach that consists of multiple stages, views the individual as a whole, more effective than pharmacotherapy, and creates a healthy relationship with the therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that teaches the individual new behavior patterns to break their old ineffective habits. Scientific research on addiction shows that those who suffer from substance dependency do not have the same capabilities as non-substance users. This can include the ability to think of the consequences of their actions, plan ahead and decision-making skill. (Simpson et al., 2011, p. 2). In CBT, a therapist must ensure that the client develops these skills and creates a functional concept of self through goals. The type of goals is typically depended on the therapist’s opinion. It is vital for the therapist to have self-awareness to a client’s substance dependency because their response to the substance or client will effect the treatment. The therapist should have supervision to ensure that the cognitive-behavior therapy is helping the client and it is not harming the therapist’s mental state. Psychotherapy is individualized for both therapists and clients, yet there are some clear stages and ideas in CBT.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the cycle of the ABC model, which consists of antecedents, behavior and consequences (Ryan, 2013, p.33). The antecedent is the event that takes place to cause ...

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Ryan, F. (2013). Cognitive therapy for addiction: Motivation and change. Wiley-Blackwell.

Simpson, D., Joe, G. W., Dansereau, D. F., & Flynn, P. M. (2011). Addiction treatment outcomes, process and change: Texas Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University. Addiction, 106(10), 1733-1740.

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