Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Substance Use Disorders

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychological therapy or “talk therapy.” During the course of CBT, you will work with a mental health professional to closely examine the relationship between your thoughts and your behaviors. The focus will be on helping you recognize unhealthy thought patterns that can contribute to unhealthy behavior patterns.

CBT can help you change negative thoughts and beliefs by helping you develop healthy coping skills. Through introspection and problem-solving, you can interrupt thought processes leading to unhealthy beliefs about yourself and the world around you.

The use of CBT has been proven to be effective in managing symptoms of a wide range of psychological issues, including anxiety and depression disorders. CBT can help you learn to manage uncomfortable emotions and navigate difficult situations. It has also proven helpful for individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

CBT is frequently used in treatment programs for SUDs. SUDs are mental health disorders in which a person uses drugs or alcohol in ways that are harmful and have a significant impact on their lives. Often they are using substances in larger quantities than is recommended or more often than is healthy, causing the development of a dependency on substance use. This can seriously impact a person’s life in many ways, affecting their work, relationships, and health. 

It is sometimes difficult for people struggling with SUD to be aware of the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. CBT can be a helpful tool to increase awareness of these connections. You will begin to track the thoughts and situations that cause you to feel the need to use substances.

Increasing your awareness of factors influencing your thoughts and actions can help you discover more about yourself. With the help of a treatment team, you can begin recognizing the thoughts and behaviors that may have contributed to SUD. During CBT sessions, you will develop healthy coping skills to deal with negative impulses. You will be empowered to make changes to your life and redefine your relationship with substance use.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Malibu Wellness Ranch

At Malibu Wellness Ranch, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, to ensure our clients can develop all the tools they need for success in recovery. Each client is assigned a counselor they will meet with one-on-one in weekly sessions. During these sessions, our counselors help individuals identify their goals for treatment and develop an individualized treatment plan that will help structure their stay at Malibu Wellness Ranch. 

In individual counseling and group settings, our clients can process their feelings and examine the behaviors that have contributed to their dependence on substances. We strive to provide our clients with the tools they need to work on their internal thought processes with the help of counselors that specialize in addiction. 

The Malibu Wellness Ranch team ensures that our clients have everything they need to succeed after their stay at the ranch is over. We assist our clients with various logistical concerns that will help them in aftercare, such as help with interviews and appointments, referrals for any mental or physical health concerns, and finding local sober support systems. 

Unique Opportunities at Malibu Wellness Ranch

The Malibu Wellness Ranch experience offers so much more to our clients than basic treatment plans. Located in the Pocono Mountains, our 800-acre property allows us to provide our clients with a variety of recreational activities like paddleboarding, ATV riding, movie nights, and bonfires. 

We want to help our clients find happiness and enjoyment in life without the use of substances. By participating in fun hobbies and learning new skills, our clients will make healthy social connections and find interests they can pursue after leaving our care.  

Our unique equine recovery program is a signature component of our treatment plans. Clients are involved in all aspects of horse care, from grooming and tacking to handling and riding. Working with horses helps our clients achieve physical wellness by increasing strength and balance. It also helps them with emotional and mental healing as they care for and bond with their horse. 

In learning to care for these beautiful and sensitive animals, our clients can work on a variety of skills that they will need. They will build confidence and self-esteem. Working with the horses and the ranch staff, they will learn to communicate efficiently. By working with their horses, our clients also sharpen their attention to detail and ability to focus. 

All of the activities involving our horses are supervised closely by our highly trained ranch staff, and our clients have the opportunity to process their experiences with our clinical staff. By combining effective therapies like CBT with unique life experiences, we give our clients the best chance for success in recovery.