Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a Treatment for Addiction

Question 1

Explain the first stage of CBT for addiction.

Answer 1

Functional Analysis

• Discuss thoughts and emotions related to addiction to identify triggers
• Once understood, therapist can help client learn what to avoid to stop their addiction.

Question 2

Explain the second stage of CBT for addiction.

Answer 2

Skills Training
- Therapist helps addict learn skills to avoid addictive behaviours e.g. coping with cravings, improving motivation and assertive training

Question 3

Give three strengths of CBT as a treatment for addiction.

Answer 3

1. . Research evidence supports it.
   
   • Young (2007)
2. Can be combined with other therapies that focus on dealing with the physical effects of withdrawal.
   
   • i.e substance addictions are often also treated with drug therapy to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, which will help with cravings.

Question 4

Give two weaknesses of CBT as a treatment for addiction.

Answer 4

1. Requires the addict to be motivated ti change
   - symptom of addiction is finding stopping it difficult
2. Addicts do not always put their skills into practice to reduce their problem behaviours.
   • Morgenstern(2000) : Alcoholics often showed ability to cope with their addiction, but did not always use these skills to stop drinking.