CBT - reducing addiction

• CBT


  -aims to challenge the irrational/faulty beliefs and ways of thinking that lead people to engage in behaviours.
• CBT - identify 


  -high risk situations, thought processes before and after engaging in an addictive behaviour. Development of client-therapist relationship is essential.
• CBT - challenge 


  -Explore and challenge irrational beliefs that may lead to addictive behaviour. e.g illusion of control - cognitive restructuring.
• CBT - equip 


  develop social skills
• Functional analysis involves 


  -client and therapist together identify the high intensity situation in which the client is likely to gamble or use a substance of addiction.

  -The therapist reflects on what the client is thinking before, during and after such a situation.

  -Relationship should be warm, collaborative and responsive, however the therapist must challenge the clients cognitive biases.
• Cognitive restructuring 


  -Educating and challenging irrational thoughts e.g. education abouot probability and cognitive biases.

  -Education about affects of nicotine on the body and brain.

  -If we have been educated about the cues then we can identify and stop the triggers from happening.

  -Ability to enjoy life without substance. e.g. someone may not believe they can have fun without drinking.
• Skills training


  -The therapist will use a wide range of skills training techniques for the clients, starting with the basics and then moving to more individually tailored methods such as social sill training.