Psychological Interventions for Addiction

CBT:

1. Identifying faulty thoughts
2. Skills training

Identifying irrational thoughts:

• Cognitive biases
• Insight to why the individual is indulging in the behaviour
• Client and therapist identify high risk situations

Skills training:

• Skills training related to control of addiction . E.g. Refusing the drug when it is offered
• How to substitute positive activities and rewards for the habits associated with an addictive lifestyle
• To tolerate other strong emotions such as depression and anger

AO2

Effectiveness:

Ladoucer Et Al (2001): randomly allocated 66 gamblers to either

1. CBT group where their irrational thoughts about gambling were questioned and they were given training in relapse prevention
2. Control group - placed on a waiting list

Findings:  86% of CBT…