Basics of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Rehab Report Pt. III)

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(This blog post is Part III of an ongoing series on demystifying drug and alcohol treatment – popularly known as “rehab”)

For the third installment of the Rehab Report, we at Club Recovery, LLC (a Minnesota based addiction treatment center) will address the differences in treatment approaches across providers including some basic knowledge of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Aren’t All Treatment Centers the Same?

The short answer is no.

The longer answer is that there are some important differences that a person dealing with substance use issues and their loved ones need to know.

12-Step vs CBT

Each treatment program has their own approach to helping people who are dealing with substance use disorders. Two of the the main treatment approaches are 12-step and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

12-step treatment is based on the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and focus on a person admitting their powerlessness over a substance. This process also includes giving their will over to a higher power of their choice. A common misconception is that 12-step services and AA are religious based. 12-step treatment and AA are considered spiritual programs and not religious ones. A person does not have to be Christian or even believe in a God at all to participate in 12-step treatment.

CBT programs do not rely upon the 12-steps. CBT is a research based psychotherapy that seeks to help empower people to manage their thoughts, feelings, bodies, and behavior. The research foundation supporting the effectiveness of CBT spans decades. We at Club Recovery utilize CBT techniques to aid our clients in healing and building a life in recovery worth living.

Please take a look at the infographic below for more details on CBT.

Download Basics of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy PDF

Are you, a friend, or a family member struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues? If so, please call our licensed mental health and addiction counselors at (952) 926-2526. Help is here, all you need to do is contact us at Club Recovery, LLC.


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.