CBT Therapy In Maryland For Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Restructure Your Recovery Outlook With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Transform your recovery journey with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC). CBT is designed to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors that can impede your progress. Through tailored interventions, our skilled therapists and clinicians guide you in developing practical coping skills and strategies that promote lasting change. By incorporating CBT into our holistic treatment plans, we ensure that you receive the comprehensive support necessary for navigating your path to recovery with greater clarity and resilience.

What is CBT Therapy?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to address and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors.[1] It operates on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing maladaptive thoughts, we can influence our emotions and actions in a positive way.

CBT psychotherapy involves several key techniques:[2]

Identifying negative thought patterns: Therapists help individuals recognize distorted or harmful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviors.
Challenging and reframing thoughts: Clients learn to question the validity of these negative thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones.
Behavioral activation: CBT encourages engaging in activities that can improve mood and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Skill building: It provides practical strategies for managing stress, improving problem-solving skills, and enhancing interpersonal relationships.

CBT is a central component of our therapeutic approach at MARC. Our team of experienced therapists tailors CBT to each individual’s unique needs, incorporating it seamlessly into our comprehensive treatment plans. Our unique blend of tailored CBT techniques and integrated care strategies helps clients achieve meaningful, lasting change and navigate their recovery journey with confidence.

How (and Why) CBT Works

CBT is a therapeutic method designed to transform the way people think and behave, helping them to achieve lasting wellness. By addressing and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns, CBT helps improve emotional regulation and foster positive behavioral changes, which includes the following steps of CBT therapy:[3]

Recognition of patterns: CBT begins with identifying recurring negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioral challenges. This awareness is essential for understanding how specific thoughts influence feelings and actions.
Critical examination: CBT therapists then help you to identify these thoughts critically. Clients learn to question their accuracy and explore alternative, more constructive ways of thinking.
Behavioral changes: CBT promotes behavioral modifications by encouraging participation in activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable. This approach helps counteract avoidance behaviors and boosts overall mood.
Skill development: Practical skills are developed to manage stress effectively, solve problems, and improve interpersonal interactions. These skills are directly applied to real-life scenarios to reinforce therapeutic gains.
Application and practice: Finally, clients practice these new skills and thought patterns regularly, helping to embed positive changes and enhance long-term recovery.

CBT is effective because it offers a structured approach that addresses both thought and behavior. By focusing on changing specific, identifiable patterns and applying practical strategies, CBT helps people gain control over their emotions and actions, leading to sustained improvements in mental health, mindfulness, relationship issues, self-esteem, navigating challenging life transitions, and overall well-being.

The Efficacy of CBT for Addiction & Mental Health

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy stands out as one of the most effective approaches for treating addiction and mental health disorders, with substantial evidence supporting its efficacy. Numerous large-scale trials and quantitative reviews have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in addressing alcohol and drug use disorders.

CBT has garnered among the highest levels of empirical support for treating substance use disorders. It is widely recognized for its robust evidence base, which includes numerous well-controlled trials and extensive reviews.[4] Major health organizations and practice guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Veterans Administration, all endorse CBT as an evidence-based treatment approach.[5]

A recent comprehensive review analyzed 19 randomized trials involving over 1,400 patients undergoing CBT for substance use disorders.[6] The findings from these studies consistently highlighted the effectiveness of CBT techniques in reducing drug addiction and promoting long-term recovery. These results underscore CBT’s ability to address both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of addiction, making it a pivotal component in effective treatment strategies.

What to Expect from CBT at MARC

You can expect a supportive and transformative experience that speaks to your individual needs at MARC. Here’s what you can anticipate from your CBT journey with us

A personalized assessment

Your CBT journey starts with a thorough assessment conducted by our experienced therapists. This initial evaluation helps us understand your unique challenges, goals, and needs. We use this information to design a customized treatment plan that aligns with your personal recovery objectives.

Collaborative goal-setting

In CBT, you will work closely with your cognitive behavioral therapists to set clear, achievable goals. This collaborative approach ensures that your treatment plan is not only relevant to your current situation but also aligned with your long-term recovery aspirations.

Structured sessions

Expect structured and goal-oriented therapy sessions. Each session will focus on identifying and addressing specific negative thought patterns and behaviors. You will engage in various techniques designed to challenge and reframe these thoughts, helping you develop healthier coping strategies.

Practical skill development

Throughout your therapy, you will learn practical skills to manage stress, improve problem-solving abilities, and enhance your interpersonal relationships. These skills are designed to be applicable in real-life situations, helping you to integrate new ways of thinking and behaving into your daily life.

Regular Progress Reviews

Your progress will be regularly reviewed through ongoing assessments and feedback sessions. This allows for adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, ensuring that the therapy remains effective and responsive to your evolving needs.

A supportive environment

At MARC, we create a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel safe exploring and addressing your challenges. Our team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your CBT journey, offering encouragement and guidance.

Integration with comprehensive care

CBT at MARC is part of a holistic approach to treatment. This means that your therapy will be integrated with other support services and evidence-based practices, providing you with a well-rounded recovery experience. This may include coordination with other therapies, medical care, and support services tailored to your overall needs.

Empowerment and independence

One of the key goals of CBT is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to manage your own recovery effectively. By the end of your CBT sessions, you will have developed a deeper understanding of yourself and gained practical strategies for maintaining long-term well-being and independence.

Start Healing With CBT for Addiction & Mental Health at MARC

By reshaping negative thought patterns and behaviors with CBT at MARC, you’ll develop practical strategies for managing stress and improving your daily life. Our personalized approach ensures that every session is tailored to your unique needs, providing you with the tools you need to achieve meaningful and lasting change.

We integrate CBT into a comprehensive treatment plan that supports your overall recovery. Our supportive environment and holistic approach work together to address both your immediate concerns and long-term goals.

Start your healing process with us and experience how targeted CBT can pave the way for a healthier life in recovery.

✦ Frequently Asked Questions ✦

About CBT for Addiction and Mental Health

How effective is CBT for treating mental health disorders?

CBT is highly effective for treating a range of mental health disorders. Research consistently shows that CBT significantly reduces symptoms of depression/mood disorders, anxiety disorders, social anxiety, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other common mental health issues. By targeting negative thought patterns and behaviors, CBT helps people develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. Studies have demonstrated that CBT leads to lasting improvements in mental health, making it one of the most widely recommended and evidence-based therapies available.

Can CBT be combined with other treatments for addiction?

Yes, Cognitive therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments for addiction to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. Combining CBT with medication, support groups, and other therapeutic modalities enhances the effectiveness of the treatment plan. This integrated approach addresses different aspects of addiction and supports a more robust recovery process. At MARC, we frequently incorporate CBT with other evidence-based practices to tailor treatment to each individual's needs and goals.

How do I know if CBT is right for me?

Determining if CBT is right for you involves assessing your specific symptoms, treatment goals, and personal preferences. CBT is generally suitable for those seeking to address negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact their mental health and well-being. A mental health professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to help decide if CBT aligns with your needs. They will consider factors such as the nature of your challenges, your previous treatment history, and your willingness to engage in a structured, goal-oriented therapy process.

Sources

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2019, March 16). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mayoclinic.org; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610 on August 1, 2024

[2] American Psychological Association. (2017). What Is Cognitive Behavioral therapy? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral on August 1, 2024

[3] Cully, J., Dawson, D., Hamer, J., & Tharp, A. (2021). BRIEF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/therapists_guide_to_brief_cbtmanual.pdf on August 1, 2024

[4] 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/ on August 1, 2024

[5] Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2018). Cognitive behavioral interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders: Through the stage model and back again. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 847–861. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714654/ on August 1, 2024

[6] Alya Attiah, A. (2023). Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for drug addiction. Journal of Addiction Therapy and Research, 7(1), 005–007. https://www.addictiontherjournal.com/articles/jatr-aid1025.php on August 1, 2024