Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps addiction recovery by addressing negative thoughts and behaviors. The document outlines three CBT techniques to combat cravings: scheduled fun involves setting aside time each day for enjoyable activities; cognitive restructuring challenges negative thoughts and promotes kind self-talk; progressive muscle relaxation focuses on relaxing each muscle group through controlled breathing and tension/release. These CBT techniques can provide alternative coping strategies to drug or alcohol use during recovery.

1. 3 COGNITIVE
BEHAVIORAL
TECHNIQUES TO
COMBAT
CRAVINGS
Supporting Addiction Recovery
THE EDGE TREATMENT CENTER

2. WHAT IS COGNITIVE
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
(CBT)?
THE BREAKDOWN
CBT is a model that highlights the cycle
of thoughts, relationships and behaviors.
CBT teaches how to identify negative
thinking and behavioral patterns to
create postive change.

3. HOW DOES CBT
HELP ADDICTION
RECOVERY?
ADDICTION AND CBT
Negative, self-defeating thoughts can lead to
harmful coping strategies like drug use or
alcohol consumption. CBT offers an alternative
coping strategy.

4. COGNITIVE
BEHAVIORAL
TECHNIQUES
SCHEDULED FUN
COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING
PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION

5. Boredom and stagnation are common triggers in sobriety. Even
if you are working and staying active in your recovery, it's
essential that you also allow time for relaxation and leisure.
Neglecting these needs can result in a negative mood- which
can create a downward spiral effect.
Even 10-15 minutes of an enjoyable activity each day will help.
Write down the task. Before beginning the activity, note your
happiness level on a 0-10 scale. Assess how you feel after the
activity.The goal is not to feel a 10/10! The goal is to remember
that incorporating joy into your life is not optional. It is a
necessary ingredient towards balance and wellness.
SCHEDULED FUN

6. IDENTIFY AUTOMATIC THOUGHTS
Challenge these thoughts realistically. What is the worst
that could happen, and how would you respond?
TALK TO YOURSELF
Practice saying kind things to yourself like you
might to a friend. If a friend was worried about
their continued sobriety, what would you say to
them?
COGNITIVE
RESTRUCTURING

7. PROGRESSIVE
MUSCLE RELAXATION
FOCUS ON THE BODY
Start by taking in several deep breaths. You'll
move top-to-bottom and practice contracting
one muscle group for 5-10 seconds. Then, aim
to release all the tension in that specific group.
Move down the body accordingly.
You can also download or audio recordings to
help you stay focused and present. By the end
of the exercise, you should feel an increased
sense of peace and calmness.

8. Takeaways
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
techniques can be immensely
helpful in addiction recovery.
Try scheduled fun, cognitive
restructuring, and progressive
muscle relaxation to combat
cravings you may experience.

9. CLICK
HERE
WE CAN HELP WITH
ADDICTION RECOVERY
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