CBT

• What is the main aim of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in treating addiction?

  To change the way an addict behaves by changing their thought processes
• How does CBT help an addict recognize their triggers?

  It raises self-awareness of potential triggers prior to taking a substance
• What skills does CBT equip addicts with to deal with identified triggers?

  Drug refusal skills, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention training
• What is the purpose of drug refusal skills in CBT?

  To help addicts resist the offer of drugs and deal with situations where drugs are available
• How might role play be used in drug refusal skills training?

  To rehearse social pressures and temptations of drug use
• What does cognitive restructuring involve in the context of addiction treatment?

  Examining and altering the thought processes that precede addictive behavior
• Why is identifying triggers important in cognitive restructuring?

  Because some triggers cannot be removed, and alternative thought patterns are needed
• What is the goal of relapse prevention training in CBT?

  To prevent a return to addictive behavior over the long term
• How does a therapist challenge faulty beliefs during relapse prevention training?

  By promoting more rational beliefs about addiction
• How does success in controlling urges affect the addict's thought processes?

  The more success they have, the more entrenched the technique becomes in their thought processes
• What did Caroll et al (1994) compare in their study on cocaine users?

  CBT and non-specific psychotherapy
• What were the findings of Caroll et al (1994) regarding CBT?

  CBT sessions were more effective in stopping addictive behavior and preventing relapse
• What did Chaney et al (1978) investigate in their study?

  Relapse prevention training on alcoholic participants
• What were the results of Chaney et al (1978) regarding relapse prevention training?

  The group assigned to relapse prevention training spent fewer days drunk and consumed less alcohol
• What limitation is associated with CBT in treating addiction?

  It requires high levels of commitment and motivation to be successful
• Why might severe addicts struggle with CBT?

  They may find it difficult to maintain focus, attention, and self-reflection
• What do Waldron and Kaminer (2004) suggest about group cognitive therapy?

  It is more successful in the long term than individual settings, especially for adolescents and young adults
• How does sharing cognitive distortions in group therapy benefit addicts?

  It helps them feel less alone and forms a supportive network
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of CBT as a treatment for addiction?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in stopping addictive behavior
  • Helps prevent relapse
  • Can be successful in group settings

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Requires high commitment and motivation
  • Not as effective for severe addicts
  • High dropout rates
• What evidence supports the effectiveness of CBT for addiction?

  • Caroll et al (1994): CBT more effective than non-specific psychotherapy
  • Chaney et al (1978): Relapse prevention training led to fewer days drunk and less alcohol consumption