All About CBT for Drug Abuse Problems, How it Works and What’s Involved

CBT for Drug Abuse

Our CBT for Drug Abuse programme is one of the most effective ways of overcoming the problems caused by this problem.

Drug Abuse is the use of drugs as a way of coping with problems or difficulties in life that becomes problematic in itself.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960’s who recognised that people’s inner-thoughts were often more significant than the things that they said out loud during therapy sessions.

He called these inner-thoughts cognition and argued that the way that people think about their experiences links directly to the emotions that they feel.

In other words our emotional experiences are the outcomes of what we think and believe rather than being caused by external events.

These ideas form the central concept of CBT which states that:

The way people think determines the way that they feel.

In the case of Drug Abuse the emotions that we feel are the direct result of what we think or believe our experiences mean.

Common Drug Abuse Symptoms

If you recognise any of these behaviours in yourself, then you may have a drug abuse problem:

• Your substance abuse is starting to become more important than your home life, work or schooling and you are starting to neglect your responsibilities.
• You are taking risks whilst using your drugs, for example driving whilst under the influence.
• You are having problems with the law, for example being arrested for disorderly behaviour or convictions for theft through trying to obtain funds for buying your drugs.
• Your relationships are falling apart due to fights or disagreements which may be frivolous.
• You need larger quantities of drugs to get the hit that you used to get with smaller quantities.
• You are starting to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms when you are without your drug such as nausea, depression or anxiety.
• You feel “powerless” to keep the amount of drugs you’re using to a level you can control.
• Your primary focus has shifted to using your drug and you may have quit doing the things you used to enjoy such as socialising or keeping fit.

Once you’re ready to face your drug abuse problem then you have already taken the first important step towards solving it and can move towards seeking a solution.

How does CBT for Drug Abuse work?

Normally a programme of CBT for Drug Abuse takes place over a period of 10 to 20 weeks with an hour long session once per week.

Firstly, because the way you think about your day-to-day experiences is determined by your core beliefs, the early sessions of CBT for Drug Abuse involve exploring and measuring these beliefs.

Secondly, once you are able to uncover your core beliefs, your thoughts about certain experiences will make more sense.

Thirdly, by understanding how you have made sense of your experiences in the past you can then begin to make changes to your thoughts and beliefs in order to create new, and more useful, emotional outcomes.

CBT for Drug Abuse builds upon the 5 core CBT principles developed by Aaron Beck and are used extensively in our CORE Programme.

How many sessions of CBT will I need?

Whilst this is a difficult question to be precise about, most people will be able to overcome their Drug Abuse problems in around 10 – 20 sessions.

However, because CBT for Drug Abuse is always tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances, getting the outcome that you want may sometimes require more sessions.

If you have been suffering Drug Abuse problems for many years then in all likelihood, you can reasonably expect to take a bit longer to get where you want to be.

Our CBT for Drug Abuse programme is based on 12 sessions delivered over 12 weeks and uses an online learning platform for you to develop greater self-awareness and knowledge in the days between sessions.

Arrange your FREE initial consultation here.

If you’d like to find out more about CBT for Drug Abuse or recovering from any of your mental health problems then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.

During this consultation we will discuss your particular issues and the different types of mental health counselling we offer (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT) without you having to commit to any counselling going forward.

The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet with either Paul or Joan and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.