Cognitive Behavioural Therapies for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Problems

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an umbrella term that describes an expansive group of therapies. Although many in number and broad in their approach, they have in common a focus on ‘cognitions’ (including thoughts, beliefs, schemas and metacognitions) as the central driver of, and the solution to, effective emotion regulation. The early cognitive behavioural therapy models grew from behaviour therapy and introduced the concept of cognition into the behavioural models. The most well-known of these models were developed by Aaron Beck (Cognitive Therapy) and Albert Ellis (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy). More recently, mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, have contributed to the evolution of cognitive behavioural therapies. This chapter describes how these models work and how they have been adapted to alcohol and other drug use treatment, ranging from intensive to brief and low-intensity interventions. The evidence shows that cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most effective interventions for alcohol and other drug use issues, as well as for co-occurring alcohol and other drug use and mental health problems. It has been adapted and applied across a range of cultures and countries.