CBT as a treatment for addiction

Question 1

What is CBT for addiction?

Answer 1

The use of CBT for treating addiction began as a way of stopping alcoholics from drinking, but gradually developed into a therapy that can be applied to treating many different forms of addiction. It aims to help people understand the triggers for their addictive behaviours and learn how to control and manage these.

Question 2

The Process of CBT

Answer 2

Functional analysis

Skills training

Question 3

Functional analysis

Answer 3

This stage involves the therapist and the addict discussing the thoughts and emotions related to the addiction. In this stage they are trying to identify the triggers that make the addict turn to the addiction. For example who is around when the addict turns to alcohol. Once the triggers are understood the therapist can help the client learn what place/people or feelings to avoid in order to stop doing the thing they are addicted to.

Question 4

Skills Training

Answer 4

Once they have completed a functional analysis, the therapist will help the patient to learn skills they can use to avoid engaging in the addictive behaviour. They are a wide variety of skills that can benefit each addict, but the skill will be developed individually depending on the specific addiction. Some examples may include how to cope with cravings.

Question 5

Strengths of CBT as a treatment for addiction

Answer 5

Helps build control over addiction.

Supported by research evidence (Kimberly Young 2007)

Question 6

Weaknesses of CBT as a treatment for addiction

Answer 6

The addict has to be motivated to WANT to carry out CBT.

CBT does not always mean addicts will reduce the problematic behaviour.