Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a method of treating cocaine addiction through changed behaviors and attitudes.  A CBT therapist will help the recovering addict to learn what situations place them at risk of relapsing so that they can then learn how to avoid such situations whenever possible.  CBT for cocaine addiction treatment also helps the recovering addict to learn effective strategies to cope with the temptation to use cocaine in the event that it does arise.

CBT is a very effective form of treatment for cocaine addiction.  The therapeutic techniques that are used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy help recovering addicts to:

• Recognize and understand why they want to stop using cocaine as well as the consequences of continued cocaine use
• Identify situations that are likely to tempt them or provoke them to use cocaine
• Learn skills to build better relationships and an improved support system through friends and family members
• Learn how to cope with cravings, temptation and situations that cause such cravings
• Learn how to cope with negative situations, past events, feelings and life events

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven effective at treating cocaine addiction.  Unlike some other types of treatment for cocaine addiction, CBT has actually worked consistently for most addicts.  Through various controlled variable studies, CBT continues to show improved performance at helping the recovering cocaine addict to cope, learn new strategies and effectively overcome addiction to cocaine.

Inpatient Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In some cases, cocaine addiction treatment should take place at an inpatient facility.  The National Institute for Drug Abuse recommends that CBT take place at an inpatient addiction treatment center in the following situations:

• The addict suffers from addiction to more than one drug such as opiates, prescription medications, or heroin
• The addict has health problems in addition to those associated with their cocaine addiction
• The addict suffers from bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia or a related mental health condition
• The addict does not have a stable living environment where they can live sober

In these cases, it is highly recommended that CBT take place in an inpatient setting where the recovering addict faces less temptation, can focus more readily on their recovery and has a safe, sober living environment.