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two people talk during cognitive-behavioral therapyIn order to help people overcome addiction, they have to eliminate the behavior of using substances. That’s where cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. It can pave the way to eliminate this behavior by removing the barrage of negative thoughts and feelings. Including CBT as part of your loved one’s teen therapy services will make a tremendous difference in their treatment.

Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers teen therapy programs in North Carolina that effectively treat substance use and mental health disorders. Our mental health professionals know the value of CBT and strive to help each teenage boy they work with realize the benefits it can provide. Get started today by calling 866.300.5275.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

On the surface, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy or talk therapy. The goal is to help people become aware of negative ways of thinking in certain situations. Then, they can learn to respond to those situations in more effective ways.

It’s vital to become mindful of negativity when it arises to stop long-term substance use and mental health symptoms. This negativity is often what leads to destructive behaviors, including addiction. As a result of removing the negativity, people develop more constructive behaviors.

Understanding the Basics of CBT

The basics of cognitive-behavioral therapy for teens and adults are the same. The main idea is that all of our thoughts have a major impact on our behaviors. For example, let’s say that people obsessively think about car crashes. They might avoid going anywhere in a car because they don’t want to get into an accident.

This fundamental idea is the basis for all cognitive-behavioral therapy. The idea that a specific way of thinking can change people’s behaviors is a powerful concept. During CBT, the goal is to teach people that they can’t always control the world around them. Despite that, they can learn how to deal with or interpret their experiences in healthier ways.

Are There Any Risks Associated with CBT?

The great thing about cognitive-behavioral therapy is that there’s minimal risk. Although, some people tend to feel uncomfortable when they first start the process. This discomfort stems from the fact that the therapy dives deep into and explores experiences and emotions that they might find painful. However, it’s important to explore these experiences so that the brain can reprocess them.

In some cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy might involve activities that cause stress and anxiety. For instance, let’s go back to people who fear car crashes. To help them overcome this problem, they might go for car rides. As always, therapists put their patient’s needs first and keep all risks to a minimum.

How Can CBT Help People with Addictions?

CBT also helps people find the root cause of their addictions. Then, it can help them overcome those problems. Many times, the root cause of addiction is an underlying mental health condition. Some examples include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In some cases, though, CBT isn’t enough to overcome a mental disorder alone. For that reason, a mental health treatment center might combine CBT with other clinical modalities. Only doctors can determine when people need to take medications to manage their mental disorders. A rehab center will conduct psychological evaluations to determine the needs of its patients.

What to Expect During Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

When somebody does cognitive-behavioral therapy, they try to change the way they think about things. This is done by talking to a therapist and exploring bad thoughts and feelings—which can help them eliminate harmful behaviors, like addiction.

As they explore their negative thoughts and feelings, a therapist may guide them with exercises like:

  • Journaling: This is where somebody writes about their emotions and thoughts.
  • Role-playing: This is where people act out different scenarios with their therapist.
  • Breathing exercises: These exercises help people relax when they feel anxious.
  • Group therapy: This is where people talk about their experiences with other people who have similar problems.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is usually a short-term treatment. That’s because the goal is to help people deal with their thoughts and feelings so that they can overcome their disorders. In general, cognitive-behavioral therapy lasts for around 12 weeks. Although, some people might need more or less time depending on their situation.

Find a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program in Ellenboro, NC

Does your teen struggle with addiction? Are you on the lookout for an adolescent treatment center in the North Carolina area? If so, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery has just what you need. We specialize in providing treatment for adolescents.

At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we strive to offer a wide range of programs. For instance, in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy, some of the other services that we use include:

  • Trauma treatment
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Family therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Continued education

Take a stand against your teen’s addiction with help from Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Find out how cognitive-behavioral therapy can give them a fighting chance. Reach out to our friendly team at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our adolescent program.