Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an integral part of many types of treatment these days. You may have heard about it on the news or read about it in an article, but what exactly is CBT, and how can it help people struggling with substance use disorders? Examining the topic of cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with other aspects of substance abuse treatment, can help people feel more empowered as they decide to enter treatment. There are many specialized programs available, including LGBTQ+ therapy programs specially designed to meet the needs of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Call Pride Institute at 952.934.7554 or reach out online to learn more.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and How Does It Work?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients understand their own patterns of thinking and how those patterns may be affecting their behavior. Once negative or inaccurate thought patterns have been identified, clients are better able to replace them with healthier, more productive thought patterns that do not lead to unwanted or dangerous behavior. CBT is very effective, especially when it comes to helping clients maintain their recovery over time.
CBT For Addiction Treatment: How It Helps
Most people who have ever experienced addiction understand that substance use reinforces itself in the brain. Taking a drug or drinking alcohol produces a feeling that the individual enjoys, so over time, that feeling becomes associated strongly with the substance. One of the main benefits of using CBT for addiction treatment is that cognitive-behavioral therapy helps clients start to recognize and dismantle those associations. Some of the ways that CBT can help clients reframe their experience are:
- Identify negative, unhealthy, or unwanted situations that may be impacting their life
- Explore thoughts, ideas, expectations, and emotions about those situations
- Examine those thoughts and ideas to determine if they are accurate or inaccurate
- Think about how reactions and behaviors may be generated from those thoughts and ideas
- Talk about feelings, thoughts, and ideas openly and honestly
- Work on reshaping negative or inaccurate ideas or thought patterns
What Is an LGBTQ+ CBT Program?
More places and people than ever are welcoming and open to people of all identities and orientations. Still, when it comes to recovery care, members of the LGBTQ+ community have unique needs. Often, people in recovery benefit from interacting with others who have shared similar experiences or have similar backgrounds. LGBTQ+ treatment programs are designed to create a recovery-focused environment where clients can feel fully comfortable and welcomed as their authentic selves. Clients at an LGBTQ+-specific program also develop social support networks of peers and care staff, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining recovery.
Pride Institute: Offering an LGBTQ+ Specific Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Program in Minneapolis
Since 1986, Pride Institute has been serving the recovery care needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Our clients have access to a wide variety of programming for all levels of care. Our staff is highly trained and committed to helping our clients heal and develop the skills they need to maintain their recovery. Our programs have been specially designed with the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community in mind.
If you or someone you care about has been struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you don’t have to battle alone. The best time to seek help is immediately, so don’t wait. Reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 952.934.7554 or via our online form. Addiction is a chronic but treatable condition. With the appropriate help and support, recovery is possible.
