How Negative Thinking Can Contribute to Unhealthy Behaviors
Many mental health conditions and addictions are, at least partly, rooted in negative thought patterns and distorted perceptions. These patterns often lead to unhealthy habits or self-destructive behaviors. For many, substances like alcohol or drugs become a way to cope. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly 50% of people with mental health disorders also struggle with substance abuse.
This highlights the growing need for evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” CBT sessions are typically time-limited, problem-focused, and goal-oriented.
Unlike more open-ended forms of talk therapy, CBT is conducted over a set number of sessions, focusing on identifying specific problem areas and applying strategies to improve one’s quality of life. This targeted approach aims to address and transform thought patterns and behaviors.
CBT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. However, CBT is not only for individuals with mental health challenges; it can also benefit anyone looking to better understand their emotions, assess their responses, and navigate difficult situations.
Research indicates that CBT is as effective as other forms of psychological therapy and medication, sometimes even more so. It has been shown to significantly enhance quality of life and executive functioning for many, and it can be used alongside medications or other therapies to address psychological disorders and trauma.
For many individuals referred to CBT, their thinking tends to be skewed, leading to distorted perceptions that don’t always reflect reality. These misperceptions can make us interpret situations through a biased lens. Instead of responding calmly, we may feel an intense alarm, believing something is wrong—perceiving danger, ridicule, challenge, humiliation, abandonment, criticism, or other triggers.
Even the most ordinary situations can appear as worst-case scenarios. For instance, someone with anxiety might see people laughing in a public space and assume that they are the target of that laughter.
How Does CBT Work?
CBT teaches individuals to manage stressful situations by helping them recognize stressors and analyze their emotional and behavioral responses. This process typically involves several steps:
- Identifying distorted patterns of thinking
- Recognizing that thoughts are emotional interpretations, not facts
- Learning to step back from thoughts and view them through a new lens
CBT focuses on cognition, or conscious and automatic thoughts, as well as personal belief systems, which are shaped by individual experiences and early influences.
Since automatic thoughts are often driven by emotions rather than logic, they can misrepresent reality. These emotional responses frequently dominate our rational, conscious thinking, resulting in heightened, overly emotional reactions.
How Can CBT Support Addiction Recovery?
By addressing negative thought patterns and emotional responses, CBT provides tools to help individuals manage the emotions and mental challenges that often accompany substance use disorders. CBT treatment can enhance communication skills, address trauma, and resolve conflicts effectively.
If managing a substance use disorder feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. At Sunrise Recovery, our drug and alcohol rehab centers in Indiana offer a variety of addiction recovery programs, including individual, group, and family therapy, to support healthy thought patterns and behaviors.
For more information, call +1 (877) 978 – 6747 to connect with our admissions team, or visit our locations page to find a center near you.
