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Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy
Back to the document's frontpageAs a relapse prevention strategy, the use of cognitive behavioral strategies has proven very effective, and through cognitive behavioral peer group therapy in drug treatment, recovering addicts explore together strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Correcting Negative Thought Processes
Cognitive behavioral group therapy in drug treatment, although leader directed, strives to change negative thinking patterns using the expertise of the group as motivation for change. The group will discuss what types of thinking patterns lead to abuse, and try to correct each other's erroneous thought processes. Negative self ideations such as "I’m a bad person for what I've become" are explored and corrected through shared experiences and discussion; and the authentic and communal authority of other addicts encourages cognitive change.
The cognitive group may work through erroneous thought processes, opinions, triggers to abuse or coping strategies leading away from temptation. This type of group therapy in drug treatment works best when delivered with a fairly homogeneous group membership; and cognitive group therapy has proven especially beneficial to teens in substance abuse recovery programs.
