Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy Help in Alcoholism?
Our resident clinical psychologists offer replies to reader questions submitted anonymously to Ask the Psychologist.
Reader’s Question
Hello, Could you tell me whether CBT would help alcoholism? Thank you.
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been effectively used in the treatment of alcoholism — sometimes as a primary therapy and at other times as an additional therapy, being part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach. CBT is especially helpful in correcting “stinkin’ thinkin’”. If we think about addictions, there is a strong physical-addiction component as well as a psychological/cognitive addiction aspect. I’d recommend Googling alcoholism + cognitive behavior therapy for a host of references on this subject.
Other questions answered by Dr Joseph M Carver, PhD
This article was last reviewed by Dr Greg Mulhauser, Managing Editor on Wednesday, 18th July 2007. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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