CBT for Addiction – Break Free & Take Back Control
Addiction isn’t just about willpower -it’s driven by deep-rooted thought patterns, emotional triggers, and learned behaviours (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005).
Whether it’s substance use, gambling, or compulsive habits, overcoming addiction requires more than just stopping the behaviour—it’s about changing the way you think and respond to challenges (Beck et al., 1993). This is where Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for addiction can make a real difference.
CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviours that fuel addiction, so you can break free and regain control over your life (Hofmann et al., 2012; McHugh et al., 2010).
How CBT for Addiction Can Help
✔ Identify Triggers & High-Risk Situations – Understand what leads to cravings and learn how to manage them (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985).
✔ Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts – Replace destructive thinking with healthier, more constructive beliefs (Beck et al., 1993).
✔ Develop Coping Strategies – Build resilience and healthier ways to handle stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles (Carroll & Kiluk, 2017).
✔ Prevent Relapse – Learn practical tools to stay on track and maintain long-term recovery (Witkiewitz & Marlatt, 2004).
✔ Regain Self-Control & Confidence – Take back power over your choices and your future (Magill & Ray, 2009).
CBT works by helping you recognise destructive thought patterns and behaviours and replace them with healthier, more empowering alternatives (Beck et al., 1993). Instead of feeling stuck in a cycle of addiction, CBT gives you the tools to break free, rebuild your life, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’re struggling with addiction, CBT therapy can help you take back control – one thought, one decision, and one step at a time.
References
• Beck, A. T., Wright, F. D., Newman, C. F., & Liese, B. S. (1993). Cognitive therapy of substance abuse. Guilford Press.• Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2017). Cognitive behavioral interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders: Through the stage model and back again. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 847–861. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000311
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
• Magill, M., & Ray, L. A. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral treatment with adult alcohol and illicit drug users: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70(4), 516-527. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2009.70.516
• Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Marlatt, G. A., & Gordon, J. R. (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. Guilford Press.
• McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 511–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012
• Witkiewitz, K., & Marlatt, G. A. (2004). Relapse prevention for alcohol and drug problems: That was Zen, this is Tao. American Psychologist, 59(4), 224-235. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.4.224