Addiction Counseling & Why It's Beneficial

Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction is a challenge. The hardest part isn't always getting sober, but learning how to stay sober for a lifetime. Fortunately, addiction counseling can be exactly what many patients need on their journey to recovery from addiction. Counseling Identifies the Goals of Recovery Not everyone who begins the journey to recovery is excited about the prospect. Some patients won't ever show up in detox or treatment until there's an intervention. Ultimately, success has to include personal determination. That's why it is so important to clearly identify the goals of recovery. Each individual has a different reason for wanting sobriety. For some, it might be wanting to be a good parent for their children. For others, it is to make their parents proud. Still more might want to pursue a career or just be free from health problems. Through counseling, patients can discuss their hopes, dreams and goals. They can identify why sobriety is necessary for each of those goals to be met. Verbalizing this can be a helpful step, and it can mean commitment to the entire recovery process. Counseling Addresses Mental Health There is a strong connection between mental health and addiction. More than half of all people with substance abuse problems also have a mental health issue. Mental illnesses like anxiety, bipolar disorder or PTSD can also increase the chances of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, many patients seeking addiction treatment won't get any mental health support. The two issues are so linked, they also need to be treated simultaneously. Treating both at the same time is known as dual diagnosis care. Counseling is often the best way to tackle dual diagnosis treatment. Patients will learn why their mental health is impacting their complete recovery. If necessary, they can address underlying issues like a history of trauma. These counseling sessions can make it much easier to avoid relapse and find emotional stability in the future. Group Counseling Eliminates Isolation Some counseling is done on a one-on-one basis. Often, however, patients join together for group counseling led by a therapist. Group counseling is an effective way to target feelings of isolation or loneliness. Addiction is isolating, but so is recovery. Even patients with supportive friends and family might feel like no one understand them. To some extent, they are right. It is hard to understand addiction unless you've been through it. In group counseling sessions for addiction treatment, patients will have the chance to share experiences, thoughts and feelings. They can connect with one another on a personal level. This combats loneliness, and it helps patients feel more supported and understood. Family Counseling Can Rebuild Broken Relationships Addiction can change the dynamic of relationships. Patients might ask loved ones for financial support, or they might lie or steal as a byproduct of their illness. All of these things can make rebuilding relationships seem overwhelming. Fortunately, most relationships can be restored. The key is often family therapy. For family members of the patient, this is a chance to learn more about addiction. Understanding the disease can make the process easier for everyone. Family members can also learn the difference between helping and enabling. This is critical, because well-meaning family members can unintentionally sabotage recovery. Learning safe ways to help, support and love can encourage lasting recovery and sobriety. During family counseling, patients can also communicate their fears and emotions in a safe space. Having a mediator makes communication easier for both parties. Just a few counseling sessions can help repair years of damage caused by addiction. Counseling Emphasizes Relapse Prevention One of the primary goals of counseling is to prevent relapse. The risk of relapse is serious, and as many as 60 percent of all patients who receive addiction treatment will eventually relapse. Fortunately, counseling is a way to bring down the risk of relapse significantly. In counseling, patients can discuss their most common triggers. Knowing and identifying these triggers makes it easier to resist them in the months and years to come. Patients can also learn how to establish coping mechanisms. These are unique for each person, but they can include actions like calling a friend, attending a group support meeting, heading to the gym or eating a nutritious meal. Patients in counseling can also learn the value of routine. Having a schedule means there are fewer choices, and in turn fewer opportunities to relapse. Certain Counseling Techniques Aim to Change Negative Thoughts and Behaviors Counseling can also seek to change behavioral patterns and the thoughts behind them. The two most popular techniques are dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is all about changing negative thoughts. It seeks to eliminate black and white thinking. It also focuses on mindfulness and seeing reality rather than a skewed or emotional perception. Dialectical behavioral therapy focuses on changing dangerous behaviors. The goal is for patients to express emotions in a measured way. Often, extreme emotions cause unnecessary stress. These extreme emotions can lead to addiction, so it is critical that they are reduced or eliminated through counseling. Counseling is a Judgement-Free Space for Patients In recovery, many patients feel ashamed of their past behavior. They might struggle with guilt, or they might be upset about changes in their lives. All of these feelings and reactions are normal and even healthy. However, they have to be released in a safe way. Addiction counseling is often the best way to express these feelings. Sometimes, a safe release is what patients need. In counseling sessions, privacy is protected. Patients know that they are in a space free from judgment, which encourages them to open up. Having this safe space for sharing experiences, thoughts and fears is often a huge part of overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction. Treating an addiction requires a comprehensive approach, and several methods may be employed for maximum success. Addiction counseling is undoubtedly one of the most effective and proven treatment methods, making it necessary during recovery.

What to Expect From an Inpatient Treatment Program

When choosing addiction treatment, prospective patients will have one major decision to make. Treatment programs can be inpatient, which is a 24/7 program, or outpatient. While there are pros and cons to both, an inpatient treatment program is often the best choice. Take a closer look at exactly what patients can expect in inpatient treatment for addiction. Around-the-Clock Medical Supervision While there are plenty of reasons to choose inpatient addiction treatment, one of the most important is 24/7 medical supervision. Even after detox is over, patients in recovery can struggle with a number of health concerns. Everything from minor dehydration to serious cardiac problems can need attention. In an outpatient facility, patients will get medical care during the day as needed. However, medical emergencies can crop up at night or while patients are in transit. This could mean that patients don't get help quickly. Recovering from addiction is stressful on the body. While many people make it through treatment without any serious health issues, they are always possible. Inpatient program staff understand that and provide around-the-clock monitoring and support. That's one reason why at-risk patients will especially benefit from 24/7 programs. Of course, not all emergencies are medical in nature. Sometimes, patients simply need someone to talk to. It may be midnight, but that doesn't erase feelings of loneliness, worry, anxiety or depression. At inpatient facilities, there is always support available for patients who need it. Secure Premises Enrolling in an addiction treatment program is a promising and vital first step. However, it is far from the end of the road. Many patients still stumble, and relapse is possible even during treatment. That's why the secure premises of an inpatient facility can be such a tremendous advantage. In an inpatient program, patients aren't given the opportunity to leave on a regular basis. Meals, treatment and social activities are all available right on the premises. If family members or friends come to visit, that also happens right on the premises. In short, inpatient programs are closed facilities. This is entirely to the benefit of the patients. With a secure program, there is no risk of drugs or alcohol coming in or out. This makes it much easier to resists cravings, since there are no visible or potential temptations to worry about. Support and Companionship From Peers Recovery from addiction can feel very isolating. Even if patients are surrounded by their family members or close friends, feeling misunderstood is common. Those struggling with addiction may not believe that others can truly understand what they are going through. Inpatient programs ensure that all participants are surrounded by people in a similar situation. The group environment means that no one needs to feel lonely or isolated. Patients are all working through the same disease–addiction. In residential treatment, patients interact with one another throughout the day. They might begin the day with a communal breakfast and then head to life skills training with different peers. Meals, educational courses and group therapies all involve a wide range of patients. Plus, there can be a social aspect to rehab that develops communication and friendship. Structure and Routine to Encourage Healthy Habit Building One of the things that all patients can expect from inpatient treatment programs is routine. Adding structure to life is one of the keys to successful recovery from addiction. In outpatient programs, there is no guarantee of routine once the daily treatment is over. During inpatient programs, structure is a part of every day. Patients will typically have a set schedule for each day in inpatient treatment. This schedule might include blocks of time for exercise, individual therapy, group meetings and meals. There might also be time set aside for outings, chores or special family events. Patients shouldn't fear the structure of addiction treatment. In virtually all programs, patients will still get plenty of free time for reading, relaxing or just being alone. However, there won't be extended periods of time with nothing to do. It is in these long stretches of nothingness that cravings and temptations hit the hardest, so they are best avoided. Establishing routine in rehab is relatively easy. Back in the real world of independent living, it can be tougher. By setting the tone and intention during inpatient treatment, patients will find it easier to stick with the plan for the months and years to come. Comprehensive Range of Addiction Treatment Therapies The exact treatment options will vary from one inpatient addiction treatment program to the next. Nonetheless, patients should expect a wide range of treatment methods. During every single day of addiction treatment, inpatient programs will provide patients with several options for recovery. Individual counseling or therapy is often the foundation for treatment. This might include behavioral therapy such as dialectical behavioral therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Talk therapy is a major part of recovery, and mental health will remain a high priority throughout treatment. Group therapy is also very common during inpatient treatment. This allows patients to share experiences and emotions with others who are going through the same thing. In some cases, 12-Step meetings will be a part of the treatment plan. Other holistic or alternative types of treatment can also be effective. This might include approaches like nutritional counseling or fitness therapy, among many other options. Focus on Relapse Prevention and Ongoing Sobriety Patients should not expect addiction to be a problem with a short-term solution. Inpatient treatment programs can be a highly effective means to recovery. However, the work isn't over on the last day of treatment. In treatment, patients will learn how to commit to ongoing sobriety and relapse prevention. Relapse is a serious concern for many patients both during and after inpatient treatment. Relapse education can be a great way to learn more about triggers and coping mechanisms. Patients can learn the critical importance of sobriety as well as the myth of moderate drug or alcohol use. Knowing what to expect from inpatient treatment can help prepare prospective patients. Through rehab, patients can gain access to the tools and resources needed to begin their own journey to recovery.

What is Dual Diagnosis and How Can it Benefit My Recovery?

It is rare that addiction develops in a vacuum. Often, addiction is a result of other factors, just some of which can include psychological or behavioral conditions. During addiction treatment, dual diagnosis therapy can play a role. Learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and the benefits it can offer for your recovery. Defining Dual Diagnosis The basic definition of dual diagnosis is when patients can be diagnosed with two conditions at the same time. In the context of addiction treatment, at least one of those conditions will be an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The second condition is often mental illness or a mental health behavioral issue. It is important to understand the link between mental health and addiction. While there are many potential factors that can lead to addiction, mental health is one of the biggest. In fact, more than half of all those people who struggle with addiction also have a mental health concern. Dual diagnosis treatment is the idea that both conditions should be treated at the same time. This is in stark contrast to what is known as sequential treatment. In the 1980s and earlier, sequential treatment was the preferred treatment method. It involved treating the addiction first and then addressing mental health afterward. Today, we know that it makes more sense to treat both co-occurring conditions at the same time. Since they are inextricably linked, separating them is not advantageous. Most of the best addiction treatment programs now offer dual diagnosis treatment for patients who need it. The Typical Process of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Dual diagnosis treatment is slightly different for every patient. After all, each patient will have unique psychological concerns, addictions and medical history. However, there is a typical process that all patients will go through. This includes an initial assessment which may indicate a particular therapy and helps guide the treatment plan. The beginning of dual diagnosis treatment is always an assessment. This is an evaluation to determine more about the individual patient. It will almost certainly include some kind of physical assessment and medical checkup. Then, the evaluation can focus on psychological health. Interviews and observations can reveal mental disorders that may need to be addressed. Just some of the potential issues treated in dual diagnosis programs can include the following: Anxiety Depression Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Multiple personality disorder With a better understanding of the patient, psychological treatment can be integrated into recovery. In some cases, psychological support will begin in detox. In many other cases, patients will complete detox and then incorporate psychological treatment during continuing inpatient or outpatient rehab. Types of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Available In many respects, dual diagnosis treatment will be identical to any other addiction treatment program. All will include individual therapy as well as group therapy. If patients are in an inpatient or intensive rehab program, then most days will have a set routine and plenty of structure. However, dual diagnosis will place an emphasis on individual therapy. This might include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, pharmacological therapy, trauma therapy and life skills therapy. Behavioral therapy is, as the name suggests, a way to change behavior. Both dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy are widely used methods of changing dangerous or unhealthy behaviors. Many patients who struggle with conditions like anxiety or depression need to learn how to change the way they respond to emotions and how they react to situations in life. Many patients can trace their mental health or addiction problems back to a history of trauma. In these cases, trauma therapy can be a way to bring up and then resolve past trauma. Trauma might include witnessing a crime, being a victim of abuse or serving in the military overseas and struggling with a resulting post-traumatic stress disorder. Pharmacological therapy can also be a key component of dual diagnosis treatment. Not all patients will need prescription medication to handle mental health concerns, but some do. Administering prescription medications while aware of addiction risks can make the process much easier for everyone involved. Dual Diagnosis Can Identify Causes of Addiction One of the biggest advantages of dual diagnosis treatment is that it can help identify the root causes of addiction. Often, addiction stems from a history of trauma or from mental illness. This can happen whether or not patients are aware of it. During treatment, these causes can be identified and addressed once and for all. For example, some patients might have experienced childhood trauma. They might be blocking out this trauma. Unfortunately, that trauma might be what caused internal stress, turmoil and a predilection toward addiction. Through dual diagnosis treatment, the trauma can be addressed, resolved and managed. Dual Diagnosis Can Prevent Relapse Relapse is arguably the biggest threat to addiction recovery. Unfortunately, lingering mental health conditions can often be what causes a relapse. Through dual diagnosis treatment, relapse rates go down. If addiction is treated, but issues like anxiety, depression and trauma remain, then true recovery hasn't been reached. In times of stress, or when mental illness reappears, addiction may be the only way people know how to cope. During dual diagnosis treatment, patients are shown how to come up with effective coping mechanisms. Plus, their symptoms are better managed. Together, this makes it easier to prevent relapse and easier to stay on track to lifelong recovery. Incorporating Dual Diagnosis Treatment Into a Comprehensive Recovery Plan Dual diagnosis treatment isn't a standalone approach to complete addiction recovery. It works best when combined with a range of other treatment methods and strategies. First, patients will need to complete detox. After working through withdrawal in a medically supervised environment, patients will be ready to get serious about recovery. Patients will only be able to focus and think rationally once detox is complete. Next comes rehab. This can be an intensive outpatient or inpatient program and it should include structure and routine with plenty of therapy sessions each day. For as many as half of all addiction patients, dual diagnosis treatment can be beneficial. Dual diagnosis can get to the heart of addiction, encourage lifelong recovery and prevent relapse.

How to Tell if Your Loved One is Addicted to Heroin

Heroin is a highly dangerous, addictive drug. The only way to overcome heroin addiction is with professional medical and psychological treatment. If you're worried your loved one is addicted to heroin, don't wait. Learn to recognize the signs of heroin addiction, and seek help right away if you spot them. Frequent Flu-Like Symptoms There are easily-identifiable physical symptoms that heroin users exhibit. For example, users may have constricted pupils a few hours after use. The drug is a downer, so they may also continue taking shallow breaths. However, some of these symptoms are easy to hide. Heroin users often go out of their way to conceal their substance abuse from loved ones. The frequency of flu-like symptoms, however, is much harder to hide. A person addicted to heroin regularly has a runny nose, watering eyes, or a fever. These symptoms arise from heroin use, but if they appear frequently they could be a notable sign of addiction. Secretiveness or Lying Not all signs of a heroin addiction are physical. In fact, some of the most severe are emotional and behavioral. Often, a heroin addiction is accompanied by frequent lying. Sometimes, secrecy is to protect loved ones. A heroin user might make excuses like working late or visiting friends. For example, a woman who uses might tell her son she can't come to an important event, while unable to give firm reasons why. Simply put, heroin addiction makes people prioritize drugs over friends and family. They might feel guilty, but continue lying. These behaviors get worse if heroin addiction starts causing severe life consequences. Visible Track Marks While there are many ways to consume heroin, intravenous injections are the most common. One way to tell your loved one is addicted to heroin is by looking for track marks. These are the injection sites that indicate intravenous heroin use. They look like linear scar tissue. Track marks are most commonly on the arms. Needle marks and bruising, especially in the elbow crease, are an obvious warning. You may also notice skin problems, like abscesses, which result from heroin injections. Collapsed veins occur when someone frequently injects in the same spot. Some heroin users resort to new injection spots when this happens. Therefore, many inject between the toes in order to hide addiction. Changes in Career or Financial Stability If your loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, then he or she is likely overwhelmed. Addiction is a disease that prevents you from focusing on anything but using. You can identify an addiction by noticing changes in your loved one’s career or financial stability. Juggling a profession with a heroin addiction is virtually impossible. If your loved one loses their job or experiences an unexpected demotion, addiction is likely to blame. Similarly, your loved one might be financially struggling. Heroin isn’t free, and the cost adds up. Combine that with no income, and an addiction quickly leads to bankruptcy. Drug Paraphernalia and Slang Another way to tell your loved one is addicted to heroin is by looking for drug paraphernalia. This depends on how your loved one uses heroin. However, the most common items include clear plastic bags, aluminum foil, syringes, and glass pipes. You may want to listen for common heroin slang as well. Many heroin users avoid the name of the drug but use nicknames when discussing it with buyers, sellers, or users. These include junk, dope, smack, H, white, and black tar. Your loved one might also refer to using heroin as skin popping or chasing the dragon. Presence of Drowsiness or Nodding Heroin is a depressant. Using it slows heart rate, reaction times, and blood pressure. It also leads to “nodding,” where users are in and out of sleep during daily activities. A person struggling with heroin addiction may have irregular sleep cycles. Heroin users may frequently seem like they’re falling asleep, but have a hard time getting actual rest. If you see chronic drowsiness, or the inability to stay awake mid-conversation, your loved one may be using heroin. Changes in Social Interactions and Appearance Using heroin changes personality in many ways. If your loved one is addicted to heroin, they may begin socially withdrawing. They may not want to spend time alone with you as well. Remember that this is a direct result of wanting to hide addiction. You may also see changes to appearance. Weight loss and weight gain are the most common. Heroin users typically change their grooming and hygiene habits. If you notice these changes, heroin could be to blame. If someone you love is addicted to heroin, you’ll need to get them professional treatment. With detox and rehab, it’s possible to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilling, healthy life.

What is the First Step in Treating Alcohol Addiction?

Treating an alcohol addiction involves a long process. The only way to start is with that very first step. For most people, the first step is an alcohol detox. Get to know the reasons for a detox, what it will involve, how long it will take and why it is so critical on the path to sobriety. What is a Detox? A detox from alcohol is when you stop consuming alcohol altogether. Typically, people begin detox once they have acknowledged an addiction to alcohol and they are ready to overcome it. During a detox from alcohol, patients can break their physical dependence on alcohol. Although there may also be emotional or psychological ties, breaking the physical addiction is a critical first step. Once a detox is complete, patients will no longer be under the influence of alcohol. Once that dependence is gone, individuals can make rational decisions. Logic can rule again, and patients can start to see addiction for the disease that it really is. During a detox from alcohol, patients will go through withdrawal. During this time, it is normal to experience a range of unpleasant or even severe symptoms. While these are not always comfortable, withdrawal is a necessary part of gaining freedom from alcohol and from the addiction to it. Who Needs to Detox From Alcohol? Not everyone who drinks alcohol necessarily needs to complete a detox. There are millions of people who consume alcohol responsibly and have no issues with abuse or addiction. However, there are also many people who benefit from detox. If you have tried to quit drinking but struggled, or you can't seem to cut back, then a detox may be necessary. A person struggling with an alcohol addiction may also have the inability to stick to any alcohol limits. Increased tolerance may mean drinking ever larger amounts of alcohol for the same effect as before. Most importantly, think about whether alcohol is negatively impacting your life. If you continue to drink despite health problems, ruined relationships or legal concerns, then an addiction is likely. Anyone with an addiction to alcohol should complete a detox in order to begin the process of recovery. Why is Self-Detox Dangerous? Technically, a person can detox on their own as long as they stop consuming alcohol. However, attempting to do this without professional medical support can be risky. Certain withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and regular monitoring and medical attention can make the process more safe and comfortable. It is common to experience symptoms like dehydration during detox from alcohol. Without proper care, dehydration can impact major systems of the body and even lead to organ failure. In detox, something as simple as an electrolyte beverage or an IV can make all the difference. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. For some patients, that can lead to serious issues like a stroke or a heart attack. With medical supervision, cardiac symptoms can be monitored. If emergency care is needed, it will be available right away. To top it all off, you're more likely to complete withdrawal if you enroll in a professional detox. Without accountability and medical support, patients are more likely to give into cravings and temptations at the peak of withdrawal. If you're serious about ending alcohol addiction for good, getting professional support is crucial. How Long Will a Detox From Alcohol Take? Many people postpone detox because they don't know how long it will take. Every day that detox is postponed, the risk of overdose or serious health conditions increases. Fortunately, detox itself is a rather quick process. In most cases, a detox from alcohol will take less than one week. The timeline for a detox from alcohol begins as soon as the patient takes the last sip of alcohol. Roughly 10 hours later, most patients will begin experiencing mild symptoms of withdrawal. Those symptoms intensify and then peak approximately three days, or 72 hours, into the detox. After that peak, symptoms gradually get better. By day seven, most patients are free from the psychological and physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. There are a few factors that can lengthen or shorten the duration of a detox. Patients with health issues, a long history of addiction or who drink excessive amounts may have a slightly longer detox timeline. On the other hand, some people can experience a detox of just three to five days. What Withdrawal Symptoms Should I Expect? Many prospective patients are concerned about the symptoms of an alcohol withdrawal. The good news is that these symptoms don't last forever. Furthermore, medical professionals can mitigate a lot of these symptoms in a detox program. Many of the symptoms patients experience in alcohol withdrawal are physical. Some of the most common can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, a fever and muscle aches. In rare cases, hallucinations, tremors or seizures are also possible. There are also some psychological and emotional symptoms that can appear during alcohol withdrawal. Anxiety and depression are common. Irritability and mood swings are also possible, as is insomnia. Counseling and dual diagnosis treatment can help address some of these issues, but some will pass once detox is complete. What is the Next Step After Detox? Detox is a vital part of the recovery puzzle. Once withdrawal is complete, however, patients aren't necessarily ready to head straight back to everyday life. Rehab, addiction counseling and treatment or transitional living can all help prevent relapse and reinforce sobriety. Many patients will find that outpatient or residential rehab is the next logical step. Treatment methods like group counseling or individual behavioral therapy can address the root causes of addiction and teach coping mechanisms. Other patients might decide to move on to transitional or sober living facilities. These options offer accountability and support as well as the flexibility of an independent lifestyle. To treat an alcohol addiction, the first step has to be detox. This pivotal step is the best way to begin the journey of recovery and it sets up the foundation for a lifetime of sobriety.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is one of the most effective treatment methods for addiction recovery. Many patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy because it addresses unhelpful thinking and stressful situations. If you or a loved one are embarking on the road to recovery, take a closer look at how cognitive behavioral therapy works and how it can help. Defining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. All CBT sessions are held in a private, one-on-one environment between patient and therapist. Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy is conducted just one time a week. Sessions are often just under an hour long. This might seem short, but it is intensive. CBT is also unique because it is not designed to be ongoing. Patients typically don't participate in cognitive behavioral therapy for a lifetime. On average, cognitive behavioral therapy lasts for six to eight months. At that point, any progress that can be made has likely already been made. In the 1960s, cognitive behavioral therapy was developed by a psychiatrist named Aaron Beck. He was the first to notice that during therapy, many patients were having an internal dialogue. Most of this internal dialogue was kept private by patients. One way to look at cognitive behavioral therapy is a technique that directly addresses that internal dialogue. If the inner voice in a patient is expressing negative thoughts that could impact addiction recovery, then it has to be modified. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to change negative thoughts into positive ones. This can help with addiction as well as other conditions such as depression, paranoia, and anxiety. CBT and Dysfunctional Assumption One of the focuses of cognitive behavioral therapy is dysfunctional assumption. This is a pattern of thinking that can be harmless but often becomes a problem for those with addiction. Dysfunctional assumption is a foregone conclusion without any evidence. For example, a person in rehab might think, "I'm an addict. I can never succeed in life." This is absolutely incorrect, and it can hold people back from accomplishing their goals. If a person believes something, even if it is wrong, then it will be hard to overcome. Many patients who are in addiction treatment don't say these dysfunctional assumptions out loud, which makes it even harder to address. In cognitive behavioral therapy, therapists use techniques to encourage patients to reveal their dysfunctional assumptions. Then, they can be systematically debunked. This can help patients challenge their incorrect and harmful patterns of thinking. In the example above, the patient can start to consider a successful life, working harder to accomplish great things in the future. Addressing Automatic Thoughts Cognitive behavioral therapy will also focus on automatic thoughts. Once again, these thoughts are part of a dysfunctional thought pattern. Often, these patterns develop in childhood, and addiction reinforces them. During recovery, however, CBT can reveal that automatic thoughts are often false. An automatic thought might be, "No one wants to help me because I'm an addict." Or, it could be, "I'm a failure, and nothing can change that." These thoughts can be repeated so often that patients genuinely believe they are true. During cognitive behavioral therapy, therapists will work hard with patients to dismantle automatic thoughts. They might mention family members as proof of support and love. They can highlight the value of a patient, hammering in facts that deny the automatic thoughts. This can be tough for patient and therapist, but it is incredibly beneficial to be freed from the shackles of negative, automatic thoughts. Developing Coping Skills in Rehab and Beyond Arguably the biggest threat to a patient's sobriety is relapsing. More than half of all individuals who receive some form of addiction treatment will eventually relapse and fall back into addictive patterns. Many things can lead to relapse, including negative thought patterns and stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to prevent relapse by helping patients develop coping skills. Coping skills are unique to each individual patient. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. That's why individual therapy is so critical. During CBT, a therapist or psychiatrist can bring up examples of stressful situations that could spark a relapse. Patients will need to imagine themselves in these difficult situations. Examples might include being embarrassed in a social setting, being turned down for a job opening or going through a romantic breakup. Then, patients can verbally discuss how to respond in a healthy way. Coming up with alternatives to relapse means that if these stressful situations really happen, there will be a plan in place. Instead of drinking, patients can call their addiction sponsor. Instead of using drugs, they can hit the gym to relieve stress in a much healthier way. Eliminating Black and White Thinking One of the hallmarks of addiction is black and white thinking. This is an all-or-nothing mentality, and it can be a major obstacle on the road to recovery. No patient should be expected to be perfect at all times, and there is plenty of middle ground between perfection and failure. Cognitive behavioral therapy can address this dangerous way of thinking. The biggest problem with black and white thinking is that it can cause a relapse. Just because you make a small mistake, it doesn't mean you should throw all your progress away. CBT can teach patients how to recognize a mistake, move on, and continue toward recovery. What to Expect From a CBT Session Patients should expect their first cognitive behavioral session to take around 60 minutes. It will be one-on-one, and it will start with a brief evaluation. Patients will be asked what they want to accomplish, and any mental health issues can be identified. You should expect to confront serious issues during cognitive behavioral therapy. However, keep in mind that the end goal is always happiness, confidence, and strength. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular and effective means of addiction treatment. When combined with other treatment methods, it can pave the way for a lifetime of sobriety and health.