What type of therapy focuses on changing harmful behavior patterns related to substance use?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recognized for its effectiveness in addressing and modifying harmful behavior patterns associated with substance use. This therapeutic approach operates on the premise that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their substance use, empowering them to replace those thoughts with healthier, more productive ones.

Moreover, CBT emphasizes the development of coping strategies and problem-solving skills, enabling clients to manage triggers and cravings more effectively. This skill-building aspect is particularly critical for individuals seeking to overcome addiction, as it equips them with practical tools to navigate high-risk situations.

In contrast, while therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing offer valuable support, they approach treatment from different angles. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is primarily focused on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, and Motivational Interviewing centers on enhancing an individual’s motivation to change rather than directly addressing specific behavior changes associated with substance use. Humanistic Therapy emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization but does not specifically target the behavioral patterns related to substance use in the structured way that CBT does.