The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy dual diagnosis is to attend to the patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are a result of mental health disorders. Many conditions create a self-perpetuating cycle that drives individuals suffering from them further into their depths. Depression drains our energy and builds a wall between us and the rest of the world. Anxiety piles worry upon worry until we start to panic about worry itself. The problematic substance use that springs from these disorders exacerbate their symptoms, bringing individuals back to drugs and alcohol again and again. Cognitive behavioral therapy breaks this cycle by teaching clients to recognize the triggers that set these thoughts and behaviors into motion. As our compassionate therapists guide them through the process, clients gain new insight into their lives and begin to develop positive coping skills in the place of dysfunctional behavior.
There is a large body of evidence supporting cognitive behavioral therapy as an effective treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders. A meta-analysis of 34 studies by McHugh et al found that cognitive behavioral therapy produced a significant effect size in individuals suffering from substance use disorder, with the largest effects coming in those groups exhibiting cannabis, cocaine, and opioid dependency. Furthermore, CBT effects lasting change. Rawson et al found that, of those receiving CBT for cocaine dependence, 60% produced clean toxicology screens after a one-year period. The consistent findings of a large number of studies and meta-analyses make cognitive behavioral therapy one of the most evidence-based and effective forms of psychotherapy practiced today.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is but one of the methods Creative Care employs as part of our holistic- “whole person” approach to dual diagnosis treatment. While CBT attends to the thoughts and behaviors that are hallmarks of co-occurring disorders, other strategies like psychodynamic and trauma therapy heal the wounds that cause them. We blend these modalities in individualized treatment plans to give each client the best possible chance for a successful and sustained recovery. A holistic dual diagnosis treatment plan may also include:
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Activities groups
- Mindfulness interventions and meditation
- Psychological and diagnostic testing
- Family therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Attachment-based psychotherapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Art therapy
- EMDR
- Yoga
Our fully equipped staff, including a consulting psychiatrist, psychotherapists, registered nurses, counselors, and other highly trained professionals, works as a team to get to the root of each client’s needs. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, please give Creative Care a call today.