Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been used to treat substance abuse disorders and addiction in general. Substance abuse disorders involve continued use of a substance despite attempts to stop, and impairment in social, occupational or interpersonal functioning.
Therapists Identify Triggers
Cognitive behavioral therapists work with substance abusers by first identifying triggers for use, external (people, places, things associated with use) and internal (escaping negative emotions like depression, anxiety or anger). Therapists help clients avoid identified triggers, restructure the thoughts associated with the underlying negative emotion, and manage urges, sometimes using acceptance-based techniques (shared with DBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to let urges pass rather than fighting or giving in to them.
CBT Therapists Utilize Mindfulness
Focusing on one day (or moment) at a time is more effective than forecasting lifetime abstinence, which can feel overwhelming. Meditation techniques help clients recognize physical sensations, including urges, and respond to them mindfully rather than automatically.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Clients often arrive in treatment not on their own volition, but at the urging of friends or family, while still in denial about the problem. Therapists use motivational enhancement techniques, helping the client identify negative consequences of use for himself, since change can't happen until the client accepts there is a problem. Sessions may include collaterals (family/friends) to illustrate the impact of the substance abuse on others.
For an updated, more in-depth look at this topic, see Substance Abuse Treatment with Interviewing.