Alcoholism: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Alcoholism - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- Critical Thinking Report
Introduction
The focus of this report is to find out about the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in treating alcoholism. First of all, before we begin writing about all the facts and opinions about this treatment lets define what alcoholism is. Many people get confused about alcoholism being a ‘weakness’ of a character, however it is more considered as a disease. What cognitive behavioural therapy does in regards to treating addiction is tries to understand how an individual’s learning has occurred. What is means that our behaviour is learned, we are not born to behave in a certain way. Hence it helps
For example; in groups, self-hand books and computer programs.
- Teaches practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.
Some disadvantages of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy include;
- Commitment- a therapist can help and advise you but they need your co-operation.
- Can take up a lot of your time by attending all the sessions
- Requires structured lessons- may not be suitable for people who has learning difficulties
- Involves confronting your emotions and anxiety
- Focuses on individual’s capacity for change, however doesn’t address any wider problems in systems which may affect individual’s wellbeing
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Addiction, more than 24 randomized trials have shown that users of alcohol making cognitive-behavioural treatments one of the most frequently evaluated psychosocial treatment for alcoholism. In these studies, cognitive behaviour therapy has been shown most effective when compared with having no other treatment at all. When compared with other treatments, studies have had mixed results -- some show cognitive behaviour therapy more effective while others show it to be of equal, but not greater. As with other treatments for alcoholism cognitive behaviour therapy works best when combined with other recovery efforts, such as participation in support
More studies have shown that CBT is effective because it is highly focused compared to other treatments and sessions are relatively short term in nature. Since addiction treatment programs are normally offered in timeframes lasting 30-90 days, CBT can quickly focus on the client’s maladaptive substance use to help develop alternative behaviour skills as part of individuals integrated treatment plan. However, the findings were not fully accurate, as a few resources says that Cognitive is not effective. Therefore, to improve the quality of this research studies; more statistical information is recommended. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be especially effective when it is used in combination with medications so that it can also address people with depression conditions as well as