People with an addiction can get locked into a particular pattern of thinking and behaviors. That can hinder their efforts to overcome a substance use disorder. While traditional psychotherapy can be beneficial for addiction treatment, some individuals may find themselves more responsive to various forms of behavior therapy. Below is an overview of behavioral therapy and some of the most common formats used in addiction treatment. Call Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590 to learn about the treatment options available to you.
What Is Behavior Therapy?
Behavior therapy is a term used to encompass a broad range of therapeutic techniques that help people change their behavior. The idea behind various approaches to behavior therapy is to reinforce positive actions while eliminating those that negatively affect a client.
The most significant difference between traditional psychotherapy approaches and behavioral therapy is that the latter focuses on action. Each session focuses on helping clients learn a new behavior, which hopefully replaces old knowledge that can be harmful.
There are a variety of ways therapists can apply behavioral therapy. The type used often depends on factors like the addiction a client wants to work on and the extent of their symptoms.
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping individuals change negative thought patterns that contribute to negative emotions. CBT helps people identify those negative thoughts and situations that cause them. Then, clients learn to shift their thoughts and behaviors in a more positive direction, allowing them to be functional versus dysfunctional.
CBT helps clients develop self-awareness and clarity, which allows them to be present in situations. That can let them see things as they are instead of through a veil of negativity. From there, they start learning coping skills to help them handle difficult situations. They also receive education on techniques that show them how to relieve stress.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) rests on psychotherapy foundations. It focuses on helping clients learn how to manage their emotions. They also learn techniques that allow them to navigate conflicts without escalating them to another level. While DBT was initially used to help people with borderline personality disorder, it also proved to be an effective addictive therapy.
DBT sessions typically consist of making sure clients are stable before moving on to exploring their past to figure out what led them down the path of addiction. Therapists show a client how to manage emotions that might arise from emotional pain and past trauma without relying on substance use.
Clients can also benefit from DBT therapy by:
- Gaining insights into their past behavior
- Learning to accept and deal with the consequences of past actions
- Improving social interactions with others
- Getting help with building a recovery support system
- Feel that they are not alone in their efforts to remain sober
3. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy, more commonly known as REBT, focuses on helping clients identify destructive or negative feelings and therapies. Once clients have identified these challenging feelings, they can work on challenging them. In the best-case scenarios, they can then replace the adverse feelings and emotions using more rational or realistic ideas.
Experience Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
At our men’s rehab center in Asheville, North Carolina, we continually use a range of evidence-based therapies to treat mental health conditions and addiction. Red Oak Recovery® offers clients access to a variety of different behavioral therapies. In addition, we also provide other addiction therapy services, including:
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Experiential therapy program
- Nature therapy program
If you think that our facility might be the right fit for you, contact Red Oak Recovery® by calling 866.457.7590.
