There aren’t many adolescent substance abuse treatment centers in NC that focus only on helping young males ages 14 to 17. Thankfully, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery’s adolescent programs make it possible for your child to get customized, age-appropriate treatment for drugs or alcohol abuse—and even video game addiction. Your teen will also have a chance to experience the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy is delivered by a qualified therapist in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a primary mental health therapy that forms part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The evidenced-based therapy is designed to begin after detox and withdrawal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) considers CBT necessary since detox alone is not enough to end substance abuse.
The overarching goal of CBT is to help recovering individuals identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to substance abuse. The way the individual thinks and behaves often ties to previous trauma or co-occurring disorders. Common co-occurring disorders include eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
4 Important Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Substance use disorder involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, street drugs, or prescription drugs. Although detox addresses physical dependence, it does not treat mental health issues linked to substance abuse. While there are numerous benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the following four are worth mentioning:
#1. CBT helps change harmful thought patterns: Negative or harmful thinking can drive a person to abuse addictive substances or make them feel powerless to quit. Your teen’s therapist will help him explore thinking patterns or beliefs that lead to self-destructive actions. The next step is to work on adjusting thinking and practice positive ways to view himself or life problems.
#2. CBT helps with managing substance use triggers: The client will learn how to recognize, avoid, and cope with mental, physical, or environmental factors that trigger substance use. Therapy also retrains the brain to help eliminate psychological dependence. At the same time, CBT addresses the underlying mental health problem that fuels the substance abuse.
#3. CBT provides coping strategies: Learning how to cope in a world filled with substance use triggers can be difficult even for those who received psychotherapy. During recovery, the client will work on developing behavioral skills and strategies to cope with difficult situations and avoid relapse.
#4. CBT promotes long-term sobriety: Anyone who leaves rehab without accessing the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy is more likely to continue their addictive behaviors. This is according to NIDA. The institute also states that substance abuse disorder is a relapsing brain disorder that requires psychotherapy to reduce dependence and sustain sobriety.
Receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at a Trusted Treatment Center
Clients who understand the link between their feelings or actions and substance use usually have a better chance of recovery. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, your teen will participate in individual and group therapy where he will learn coping skills and ways to manage substance use triggers. Also, there are treatment programs, therapies, and services to address the client’s specific needs. They include:
- Trauma treatment
- Mental health treatment
- Continued education
- Family therapy
- Disordered eating treatment
- Process addiction treatment
In the end, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and other treatments come together to form a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. Your child has the opportunity to start this life-changing treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in Ellenboro, NC. Call 866.300.5275 for more on our inpatient and outpatient programs as well as admissions.
