Cognitive Theory Behavior

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Introduction Developed as a means to avert recurrence in drug addiction, the basis of the cognitive theory behavior is to modify dysfunctional behaviors and thoughts in those with addictive tendencies. In general, the way a person thinks, feels and behaves are all closely related, therefore they each influence a persons’ ability to make decisions and greatly impacts their well-being (Hammersly, 2014). The overall goal of cognitive therapy is to create an apparent idea of thoughts and attitudes that may change overtime according to the level of importance that is attached to them. Cognitive therapy works to replace all of the negative thought patterns with less harmful patterns, that can help a client regain control of their lives (Hodge & …show more content…

Most abusers exhibit the inability to cope with the stresses of life and result in drug use to mask their problems. They are often characterized as having progressive and relapsing behaviors all of which can be rectified through use of the cognitive theory (Tiffany, 1990). Grounded in the understanding that a person’s dysfunctional thinking can stem from an error in their internal processes, the cognitive theory combines aspects of the cognitive approach with that of the behavioral approach to therapy. Maintaining that the central focus of the benefits associated with the cognitive theory is the concept that a person’s thoughts affect their feelings (Hammersly, 2014). Other theory concepts involve emphasis on how a person understands the world around them. This model implies that it is the emotions and expectations a person associates with specific events that serve as the culprit for initiating the problems. In cognitive theory, an abuser will chose addictive behaviors verses healthy behaviors as a result of their expectations. The strategies of cognitive theory behavior are based on the idea that in the development of behavior tendencies, learning plays a vital role (Hammersly, 2014). Clients learn to correct their behaviors by applying skills that will enhance their control. Some of the techniques involved in learning are exploring the consequences of drug abuse, self-monitoring to identify situations …show more content…

This has to be established early on to ensure that effective communication takes place. The overall goal of the counselor is to provide support, education and non-judgmental confrontation to the clients they serve. It is also part of their role to accurately access the client’s needs in order to develop an effective treatment plan. Individual treatment involves multiple intervention techniques focusing on different target areas. Some of the treatments include: motivational techniques, contingency strategies, and relapse prevention all of which are aimed at preparing the client for successful functionality (Hodge & Lietz, 2014). Motivational intervention needs to be considered to address barriers and encourage clients to target and change their addiction behaviors. As treatments begin, counselors are presented with a challenge of discourage drug use (Hodge & Lietz, 2014). Contingency management techniques are derived from learning theories that introduce non-drug reinforces to reward clients for such things as drug abstinence, positive drug test results and regular attendance (Hodge & Lietz, 2014). In most clinical settings, contingency management is limited based on available funds of the facility; however, use of this strategy has proven success. Another approach to counseling is relapse prevention. The focus of this approach is to discourage high-risk

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