Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic technique used to treat a range of addictive disorders. At Pine Tree Recovery Center, cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is one of the key therapeutic techniques we teach our clients. CBT helps individuals re-write negative thought patterns, master their emotions, change destructive behavioral patterns and challenge ideas that no longer serve them.

While we do introduce some of the basic concepts of CBT in our medical detox program, we primarily teach CBT in our intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP is a flexible form of treatment that allows individuals to go to work, attend school and engage in their day-to-day lives while attending treatment four days a week. Our IOP program includes individual, group and family therapy, relapse prevention training, holistic practices, recovery education, health and wellness seminars and 12-Step work. CBT is taught in both individual and group therapy.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT is a widely utilized therapeutic method based on a psychological principle called behaviorism, which suggests psychological disorders like addiction are best treated by changing thinking patterns and behaviors. According to CBT there is a direct correlation between the way we think, the way we feel and the way we act. If we are prone to thinking, “Drugs make me feel better,” we are more likely to act on those thoughts and reach for drugs when we feel emotionally uncomfortable. When used in the context of substance abuse and dependence, CBT helps people recognize self-destructive thought patterns and change negative patterns of thinking whenever they arise, or acknowledge negative thoughts and focus on changing behavioral responses. At Pine Tree Recovery Center we offer CBT in a one-on-one and group therapy setting. Our experienced therapeutic professionals help clients identify repetitive and detrimental thought patterns while focusing on:

• Identifying high-risk situations which could potentially lead to a relapse if left unresolved – CBT plays a major role in relapse prevention. The therapist helps the client identify external situations and stressors and internal thoughts and feelings that might lead to substance use unless they are addressed.
• Recognizing problematic beliefs about drug or alcohol use – Some examples could include: “Alcohol helps me socialize,” “I’m a lot more fun when I drink,” or, “If I decide to use drugs it only affects me and my life, no one else is harmed in the process.”
• Recognizing false beliefs about self which could be stunting personal growth – For example, a client might be holding onto the belief, “I am unworthy of love,” which could be significantly impacting the way they interact with the world around them.

Benefits of CBT

There are many benefits when it comes to treating addiction and mental health concerns with CBT.

Benefits of CBT Include:

• This specific therapeutic method is known for its efficiency. Some therapies take months, even years before the client experiences a serious breakthrough. If CBT sessions are held several times a week, clients start to experience major changes to their mentality by the time their treatment program has concluded (in as little as several months).
• CBT is a very engaging therapeutic method, which allows each client to form a trusting relationship with their therapist and peers.
• CBT teaches clients to hold themselves accountable. They learn the outcome of their therapeutic experience is contingent on the amount of effort they put into it. This extends into the period of time following treatment. Clients start to understand they are solely responsible for making sure their needs are consistently met.
• This therapeutic method revolves around the belief that a client’s behavior is dependent on their thought processes, and if they commit to changing the way they think, their behaviors will change as a direct result. This places the power in the hands of the client and encourages them to continuously work towards self-betterment.

Additional Addiction Services We Offer

In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy we offer:

• Crisis Intervention – In some cases a person who is actively struggling with a life-threatening addictive disorder repeatedly refuses the help they so clearly need. We offer crisis intervention services for the loved ones of people who need a little extra encouragement when it comes to seeking treatment.
• Addiction Assessments – Upon admission to our medical detox or IOP program, each client undergoes a personalized assessment geared towards helping our clinical team develop a focused and individualized treatment plan.
• Case Management – Clients are each assigned a case manager who walks them through the treatment process and communicates directly with the clinical team. The case manager helps each client develop a personalized aftercare plan and serves as the main point of contact between the clinical team and the loved ones of the client.
• Aftercare Planning – Medical detox and IOP help clients physically stabilize and develop the tools and coping mechanisms they need to stay sober. However, aftercare planning is also a very important piece of the puzzle. Case managers help each client develop an aftercare plan to meet all of their personal needs, whether that means transitioning into a residential treatment program or a sober house or continuing with CBT and other forms of therapy.
• Relapse Prevention Training – Clients learn to identify and work through their personal relapse triggers, ensuring sobriety lasts long after treatment comes to an end.

Contact Us Today to Get Started

If you or someone you love has been struggling to stay sober and is ready to take the first step towards a life of health, happiness and fulfillment, we are available to help. The moment you make initial contact whether by phone or directly through our website, one of our Treatment Advisors will begin walking you through our simple and straightforward admissions process. We begin by conducting a brief pre-assessment which typically takes no more than 10 minutes. We ask a series of simple questions, geared towards helping our clinical team begin developing a personalized treatment plan before you or your loved one even arrives at our facility. We then work through all potential coverage options, determining which is the best for your unique case. Finally, we arrange local transportation to our Portland, Maine facility and set a date for admission. We understand how difficult it can be to come to terms with a substance abuse disorder, and we know it’s even harder to reach out for help. Once you make initial contact we are dedicated to making the remainder of the process as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to get started and begin living the happy, sober life you undeniably deserve.