There aren’t many adolescent substance abuse treatment centers in NC that focus only on helping young males ages 14 to 17. Thankfully, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery’s adolescent programs make it possible for your child to get customized, age-appropriate treatment for drugs or alcohol abuse—and even video game addiction. Your teen will also have a chance to experience the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy is delivered by a qualified therapist in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a tool that we use at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. With this therapeutic option, we ensure that our clients can recover from trauma, addiction, or mental health concerns. We have tailored our programs to the unique needs of teenage boys, allowing each teen to feel seen and heard throughout treatment. To learn more about cognitive-behavioral therapy for teens, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a primary mental health therapy that forms part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The evidence-based therapy is designed to begin after detox and withdrawal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) considers CBT necessary since detox alone is not enough to end substance abuse.

The overarching goal of CBT is to help recovering individuals identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to substance abuse. The way the individual thinks and behaves is often tied to previous trauma or co-occurring disorders. Common co-occurring disorders include:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Trauma

Because each of these conditions can be challenging, it is vital to find effective treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments that we use to effectively treat these conditions in adolescents.

What Happens in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

The CBT process typically begins with a discussion of a person’s goals for therapy, followed by an assessment which can include identifying and evaluating a person’s thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors that may be contributing to their distress. Following the assessment, the therapist will work with the person to develop strategies and methods for changing their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This could include learning relaxation techniques or setting realistic goals. Throughout this process, the therapist will help to identify any patterns of unhelpful thinking that may be contributing to a person’s distress and assist in developing effective coping strategies.

CBT typically involves regular sessions with a therapist in a supportive environment and can be conducted in individual or group settings. Depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances, CBT may also include “homework” exercises to reinforce strategies learned during therapy sessions. This can involve activities such as self-reflection, self-monitoring, and practicing new skills outside of the therapy setting. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, individuals can gain insight into their own patterns of thinking, as well as develop and maintain healthy behaviors to achieve their goals.

4 Important Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Substance use disorder involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, street drugs, or prescription drugs. Although detox addresses physical dependence, it does not treat mental health issues linked to substance abuse. While there are numerous benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the following four are worth mentioning:

1. CBT helps change harmful thought patterns

Negative or harmful thinking can drive a person to abuse addictive substances or make them feel powerless to quit. Your teen’s therapist will help him explore thinking patterns or beliefs that lead to self-destructive actions. The next step is to work on adjusting thinking and practice positive ways to view himself or life’s problems.

2. CBT helps with managing substance use triggers

The client will learn how to recognize, avoid, and cope with mental, physical, or environmental factors that trigger substance use. Therapy also retrains the brain to help eliminate psychological dependence. At the same time, CBT addresses the underlying mental health problem that fuels substance abuse.

3. CBT provides coping strategies

Learning how to cope in a world filled with substance use triggers can be difficult even for those who received psychotherapy. During recovery, the client will work on developing behavioral skills and strategies to cope with difficult situations and avoid relapse.

4. CBT promotes long-term sobriety

Anyone who leaves rehab without accessing the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy is more likely to continue their addictive behaviors. This is according to NIDA. The institute also states that substance abuse disorder is a relapsing brain disorder that requires psychotherapy to reduce dependence and sustain sobriety.

Seek Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Finding a treatment center that offers cognitive-behavioral therapy may be critical to long-term recovery. Fortunately, most treatment programs in the state of North Carolina, and the United States as a whole offer this therapeutic option. However, unlike most treatment centers, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers treatment specifically for teenage boys. Teenagers have different needs than adults, so a treatment center that caters to these needs it’s critical to their health.

Clients who understand the link between their feelings or actions and substance use usually have a better chance of recovery. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, your teen will participate in individual and group therapy where he will learn coping skills and ways to manage substance use triggers. Also, there are treatment programs, therapies, and services to address the client’s specific needs. They include:

• Trauma treatment
• Mental health treatment
• Continued education
• Family therapy
• Disordered eating treatment
• Process addiction treatment

In the end, the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, and other treatments come together to form a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. Your child has the opportunity to start this life-changing treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in Ellenboro, NC. Contact us at 866.300.5275 for more on our inpatient and outpatient programs as well as the enrollment process.