New Orleans Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Addiction

Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Addiction in New Orleans, LA

Addiction isn’t just a physical disease; it is a disease that affects the body and mind. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides our clients with a safe place to process their past and prepare for their new life in sobriety. 

Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center offers cognitive behavioral therapy as part of our addiction treatment plan. This form of therapy is crucial to the recovery process and provides the needed therapy to overcome addiction. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy at Longbranch Recovery Center can help. Don’t wait. Call today. 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy modality used to help people with mental health disorders and substance abuse. It focuses on making individuals aware of their negative thought patterns, which can contribute to poor behavior, like substance use. In CBT, patients work on addressing these underlying issues and behaviors to overcome their addiction.

CBT is an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health issues, such as: 

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

CBT is one of the best treatments for people with co-occurring disorders, an individual with both a substance use disorder and an underlying mental health issue. In a one-on-one setting, it is possible to make meaningful progress quickly and achieve long-lasting positive results.

What Happens During CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used by counselors to help individuals, groups, and families tackle issues related to many mental health conditions and addiction. During CBT sessions, participants learn about their diagnoses and develop better insight and knowledge of these illnesses. Once an understanding is achieved, they can use various techniques taught in CBT to help manage difficult emotions, negative thoughts and reduce stress. 

The progress made during CBT varies from person to person. Everyone processes and recovers at a different pace. Overall, most see the benefits of CBT begin in just a few sessions. CBT helps you quickly identify the root causes of your drug use so that you can begin working toward a better sober life. 

First CBT Session

During your first session of cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist will ask you to discuss your thoughts and feelings and the problems you are trying to address. They will also ask you to explain your goals and desires for CBT while in addiction treatment. Your therapist will gather information about your personal and familial history, alcohol or drug addiction, and relationships. This allows them to better understand each person’s situation and the context of their problems. 

The therapist will also assess for mental illness and any relevant life situations influencing your current circumstances. The assessment process allows your therapist to create an individualized plan so that you can achieve your treatment goals.

Following CBT Sessions

During additional cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, you are provided a safe space to talk about thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. The therapist may guide your sessions to issues identified in your assessment. This guidance aims to pinpoint solutions for specific problems and instill change. 

CBT follows a goal-oriented path, and therapists may assign you homework to complete between each session. This might include reading or completing activities that build on the session topics. With continued sessions, the therapist can review how these tasks went and provide feedback to aid you on your path to overcoming addiction. 

Duration of CBT Sessions

A single CBT session lasts about 50 minutes for an individual session and up to two hours for a group. Overall, this form of therapy is typically seen as a short-term therapy, lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 total sessions. The duration of cognitive behavioral therapy may be shorter or longer depending on each client’s issues, goals, and other factors. While in addiction treatment, you will work with the same individual therapist, providing continuity of care. 

Benefits of CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy has a multitude of benefits for someone who is in addiction recovery. Drug and alcohol addiction can impact all areas of your life. It is imperative to the recovery process that you address these issues in a dual diagnosis program and identify new coping skills.

A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program has many potential benefits, including:

  • Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Increases positive thoughts
  • Helps to resolve relationship issues
  • Increased motivation and focus
  • Decreased feelings of guilt and shame
  • Improved problem-solving abilities
  • Addresses problematic behavior and coping better with challenging situations
  • Improved quality of life
  • Enhanced personal growth
  • Improved emotional health
  • Develops better communication skills
  • Provides useful relaxation techniques

While CBT is often started in residential treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, it can be continued in lower levels of care. This therapeutic modality is also beneficial in partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment programs. Many individuals see the benefits of CBT and choose to continue therapy with a private counselor even after their addiction treatment is complete. 

Get Help Today Through Our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program at Longbranch Recovery in New Orleans, Louisiana

Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center in the Greater New Orleans Area offers cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with our full continuum of care. Whether you seek outpatient treatment or inpatient rehab, CBT will be an essential part of your recovery process. Call today for more information.