Cognitive therapy of substance abuse: theoretical rationale

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors assert that drug-related beliefs are an important factor in drug abuse and its treatment. Three types of acute drug-related beliefs have been described that contribute to urges, cravings, and ultimate use of drugs: anticipatory beliefs, relief-oriented beliefs, and permissive beliefs, and various ways have been described to assess more general, long-term beliefs pertinent to drug use. The role of the cognitive therapist is to assess, examine, and test these beliefs with the patient in order to ultimately develop more adaptive beliefs. The active application of skills and homework that tap into the patient's adaptive beliefs helps the patient to become and remain drug-free.