Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work For Addiction?

Chapters Capistrano recognizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as a qualified treatment modality and an important part of an addiction treatment program.

Ronald Kadden, PhD, wrote an essay on CBT and its use as evidence-based treatment in substance use disorder recovery.  The article, entitled, “Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Substance Dependence: Coping Skills Training,” discusses the therapeutic benefits of CBT.

Kadden (1971) states:

“From the perspective of CBT, alcohol and drug dependence are viewed as learned behaviors that are acquired through experience.  If alcohol or a drug provides certain desired results (e.g., good feelings, reduced tension, etc.) on repeated occasions, it may become the preferred way of achieving those results, particularly in the absence of other ways of meeting those desired ends.  From this perspective, the primary tasks of treatment are to:

1. Identify the specific needs that alcohol and drugs are being used to meet;
2. Develop skills that provide alternative ways of meeting those needs.

“There are different viewpoints within this general perspective. ‘Behavioral’ approaches emphasize observable past history and consequences of behavior, without taking into account internal events, such as cognitions, that can only be known by self-report.

“‘Cognitive-behavioral’ approaches, on the other hand, include cognitions, thoughts, and emotions among the factors that are considered to precipitate or maintain behavior. The latter approaches often utilize behavioral methods (e.g., repeated practice, reinforcement) to modify cognitive and emotional processes.