Cognitive Therapy in Addictions
Cognitive therapy starts from the premise that disorders are produced and maintained due to distorted underlying cognitions. Also, to different errors in the processing of information. Treatment aims to correct these distorted premises and cognitive errors (Beck et al., 1993). Beliefs and urgencies are very relevant in cognitive therapy for Addictions. For Beck, the behaviour (e.g., consumption) and the biological (e.g., withdrawal syndrome) occur from the maladaptive cognitive pattern. What cognitive therapy is going to do is modify the individual’s thoughts and mistaken beliefs and teach self-control techniques.
Although the cognitive therapy approach may seem reductionist, in practice, it is not. Along with the weight given to the person’s cognitive part as a cause of the explanation of substance use, their current vital problems, evolution from childhood, assumptions, compensatory strategies, elements of vulnerability, behaviour, etc., are also considered essential aspects. Similarly, treatment will focus on several aspects related to the problem (Beck et al., 1993).
Great importance is given to the therapeutic relationship within the treatment, and cognitive techniques such as Socratic dialogue, reattribution, homework, identification and modification of drug-related beliefs, relaxation, problem-solving, etc., are used. As treatment progresses, along with controlling urges and associated beliefs and activating control beliefs, other problems associated with drug use problems and relapse prevention become more relevant.
Anxiety and stress reduction training
One of the problems associated with withdrawal from substance use, as in pathological gambling and other addictions, is the anxiety and stress associated with said state. Therefore, evaluating this problem and applying techniques for its control is necessary. Specific programs aim to alter the perception of the degree of threat attributed to the stressor and their lifestyle to reduce both the frequency and severity of external stressors and enable them to use active coping strategies that inhibit or replace disabling stress responses.
Any of the existing ones for this problem can be used as a general intervention technique, such as training in stress management and relaxation techniques, cognitive techniques, bibliotherapy, lifestyle change, etc. IRelaxationtraining is a widely used technique, along with cognitive ones, to change erroneous beliefs about the causes of anxiety or stressful elements. When suffering from a specific anxiety disorder (for example, panic attacks), it is necessary to apply effective techniques for its treatment (Gutiérrez, 2003).
Social skills training
Many people with drug dependency and other behavioural addictions are given training in social skills to improve their social competence. When they lack adequate interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, skills to control their emotional state without going to play or consume the substance, and skills to manage their relationship with their partner, their children, at work, etc., this training is essential. Social skills training thus becomes an important part of treatment when there is a social skills deficit (Monti et al., 1995). In addition, it will be possible to have a relapse prevention strategy in the future. Relapse situations occur when there is frustration and inability to express anger, inability to resist social pressure, intrapersonal negative emotional state, and inability to resist intrapersonal temptation, among others.
The potential relationship between poor social skills and gambling activities or drug use is discussed with the patients. It is important to recognize that people with Addictions may need more than the usual social skills to deal with their relational conflicts. For example, some players need assertiveness training to improve their ability to decline invitations to play with friends. Role-playing can be used to improve communication skills.…