Medical professionals have made incredible advances in drug addiction treatment over the last few decades. With recent advances in neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology, rehab specialists have developed a variety of proven methods for drug addiction treatment. Thousands of addicts all over the country now make lasting recoveries each year.

Evidence-based therapies are the most important treatments at rehab facilities. These therapies have been rigorously tested and mandated by government and private agencies alike. However, many rehab centers use other treatment methods to bridge the gap between clinical therapy and real-world living. One of the most effective ways of accomplishing this goal is cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches addicts that they can control their emotions with their thoughts. This is crucial during drug addiction treatment, as many substances abusers have control issues which contribute to the development and continuation of their addictions. Negative emotions often lead to relapse in recovering addicts, and gaining control of these emotions is often critical for managing drug cravings.

Cognitive behavioral therapy involves two distinct phases. During the first phase, addicts make personal discoveries about the mental states, emotional problems, and behavior patterns which led them to use drugs in the first place. They also learn why they abused these drugs, and how they eventually developed their addictions. This knowledge is crucial for developing personalized sobriety strategies which work with patients' specific life circumstances.

For instance, cocaine addicts may discover that they typically use cocaine with friends and acquaintances to relieve their subconscious social anxiety. Likewise, alcoholics may find that they drink in response to specific stressors at home or in the workplace. Making these kinds of direct connections between emotions and drug use is essential to the success of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The second phase involves the development of strategies for avoiding addiction triggers and managing drug cravings when they occur. These strategies require that addicts use reason to overcome negative emotions.

For example, the aforementioned cocaine addicts might learn to logically relieve their anxieties by reminding themselves they are in friendly company, and that they don't need to get high to be social. Alcoholics with stress-related addictions might learn relaxation techniques which allow them to calm themselves and respond rationally to tough situations. Effective use of these strategies may require the simultaneous treatment of co-occurring mental imbalances - a task often accomplished during individual counseling sessions with addiction specialists.

Overall, cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective method for helping addicts apply what they learn during evidence-based therapies to difficult situations in their everyday lives. This type of therapy requires dedicated effort from patients and clinicians alike, however. Inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization drug addiction treatment plans offer addicts access the chance to work with rehab specialists who will help them develop these strategies for lasting sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, click the links below to find a treatment center near you. No matter how much you're suffering, a drug addiction treatment program can help you put your life back together.