DBs Unit 5
DB 5.1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Addiction Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests that addiction is learned through three primary mechanisms: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning. While all three play a role in shaping substance use behaviors, operant conditioning is the most significant in reinforcing addiction (Karabatak, 2023): DBs Unit 5.
This occurs when a behavior is strengthened by positive reinforcement (euphoria from drug use) or negative reinforcement (relief from withdrawal symptoms or stress). For instance, a person with social anxiety may take alcohol during the occasion. If alcohol makes them feel more comfortable, then they are likely to indulge in alcohol in such circumstances. This reinforcement cycle makes it challenging to quit because substance use draws rewards.
CBT Treatment Process
CBT follows a structured treatment plan to help individuals modify their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to addiction. The initial step involves the assessment and case formulation, where a therapist samples practices for substance use as well as the cues. The next step is psychoeducation, which entails availing knowledge to the clients on how their thinking affects their use of substances (Chand et al., 2023).
The therapist then goes further to teach various skills, including cognitive behavior, urge, and other related skills, with a focus on craving and high-risk situations. During the application and relapse prevention stage, the client addresses new methods of coping and develops a relapse prevention plan. Finally, the maintenance and termination stage assist the client in getting back to self-reliance, with only follow-up being helped.
Key CBT Concepts for Addiction Treatment
Three essential CBT concepts for addiction treatment are urge surfing, identifying high-risk situations, and alternative coping strategies. Urge surfing as a counseling technique assists clients in overcoming cravings in that they are recognized as mere urges that do not require actions. For example, a person with an addiction who wants to take heroin no longer goes for it but practices proper breathing. Understanding risky situations and stimuli helps reduce places, people, events, or circumstances that favor substance take, such as an alcoholic avoiding going out to bars.
Finally, there is the subarea of identifying other healthy ways of responding to stress. Rather than relying on opioids, a person may go for exercise or meditation. Incorporation of these CBT strategies empowers individuals to reduce procrastination over substance use, control their cravings, and hence prevent relapse, thus regaining control of their lives.
References
Chand, S. P., Kuckel, D. P., & Huecker, M. R. (2023, May 23). Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
Karabatak, O. (2023, July 14). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for criminal behaviors. IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1154713
DB 5.2: Reality Therapy, Choice Theory, and WDEP Process
William Glasser’s Reality Therapy has major components based on personal responsibility and a present-oriented approach to problem-solving. Unlike other approaches that focus on analyzing a patient’s past, it focuses on their present behavior. Choice Theory, which is one of its components, explains that overall, the behavior has its roots in five needs, including physical needs, affection and belonging, control, autonomy, and fun (Nunez, 2020).
People turn to substance use and reckless behaviors due to the thought that they will meet one or more necessities. For instance, an alcoholic may take alcohol to have power or to be free from stress. Reality Therapy enables clients to identify with such forms of self-organization and opt for healthier ones. Hence, there is the ability in people to modify their behavior and VE towards enhanced, purposeful lives.
The WDEP Process in Addiction Treatment
In Reality Therapy, the WDEP model can be used to evaluate the undesirable behaviors that can be changed and how to set a change plan. The first procedure within the model is called W (Wants), where one has to identify wants; for instance, a meth-addicted person may want to mend his relationships with his family. Second, D (Doing) aims to identify whether the activity is still being done by these goals. Currently, if a client uses meth daily while isolating themselves from their loved ones, their behaviors are not in line with what they desire (Singkhorn et al., 2023).
E (Evaluation) is significant since consumers start Coroutine to determine whether their behaviors lead to the attainment of goals. If they learn that meth uses causes ruin of family relationships, they may opt to change and seek help. Lastly, the P (Planning) phase of motivation is about setting real-life goals in latitude and developing a plan of action.
This may involve going to rehab, going to therapy, and changing one’s behavior and the way one conducts themselves to cease substance abuse. The WDEP model is an agreed structure, paradigm, and goal-directed method for supporting varied and sustainable change in those experiencing addiction.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy has several strengths in addiction treatment. First, it focuses on accountability, which gives clients a sense of power to do something about their change instead of trying to find reasons and blaming it on everything else around them. Second, it is solution-based, as clients are directed to focus on the solutions and not the problems they have made.
However, there are also limitations. A major disadvantage of using Reality Therapy is that it does not closely involve consideration of past traumas, which may, at some point, be the best option for the client to get over it. Furthermore, for people with chronicle dependence, self-assessment and decision-making capabilities are a challenge since they suffer from substance dependence. Still, the Reality Therapy approach is significant as it can help clients concentrate on present decisions and actions toward the creation of a sober life.
References
Nunez, K. (2020). Reality therapy techniques, benefits, and limitations. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/reality-therapy
Singkhorn, O., Hamtanon, P., Moonpanane, K., Pitchalard, K., Sunsern, R., Leaungsomnapa, Y., & Phokhwang, C. (2023). Evaluation of a depression care model for the hill tribes: a family and community-based participatory research. BMC Psychiatry, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05058-3
DB 5.3: Suzanne’s Case—CBT and Reality Therapy Approaches
Suzanne’s addiction can be understood through a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) framework, which would help identify how her thoughts, emotions, and behaviors contribute to her heroin use. Her belief that heroin helps her function and manage stress is a cognitive distortion that reinforces her addiction. CBT would focus on helping her identify triggers, restructure maladaptive thoughts, and develop alternative coping strategies to replace drug use.
CBT Approach for Suzanne
Five major parts of CBT can be utilized in the treatment of Suzanne. First, in the given case, heroin serves Suzanne as a way to relieve the pressure at work. She ought to have another way of dealing with stress and she would greatly benefit from learning them. Second, cognitive restructuring would set out to alter her perception and, in this case, her conviction that she needs heroin to carry out daily activities (Ezawa & Hollon, 2023).
Third, behavioral activation would compel her to get involved in other activities that do not involve substance use. It can also contain the need for work or social interaction with other people to be redefined or sought elsewhere. Fourth, motivational enhancement therapy could make her want to change by demonstrating how her abstinence from heroin contributes to the achievement of her life goals, including her health and motherhood, if called upon to be one. Finally, a relapse prevention plan would ensure that she has learned ways how to deal with urges, such as urge surfing and distressed tolerance.
Reality Therapy and WDEP Approach for Suzanne
Reality Therapy applies the model of Choice Theory, where it is believed that Suzanne’s behavior results from her need to survive, to belong, and specifically the need to attain power. This model is a strong candidate to assist her in the assessment of her situation and make the right decisions. Suzanne might self-reflect to discover that her true wants in life are stability and good health (Wants), understand that her current behavior does not support this goal (Doing), decide whether her heroin use is beneficial to getting the things she wants in life (Evaluation), and create a practical approach toward positive change (Planning) (Borchert, 2002).
By integrating both CBT and Reality Therapy, Suzanne can be guided toward making healthier decisions, reducing her dependence on heroin, and working toward a more stable and fulfilling life.
References
Borchert, M. (2002). Career choice factors of high school students. https://www2.uwstout.edu/content/lib/thesis/2002/2002borchertm.pdf
Ezawa, I. D., & Hollon, S. D. (2023). Cognitive restructuring and psychotherapy outcome: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy, 60(3), 396–406. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000474
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Question 
DB 5.1
In your reading about Cogntive Behavioral Therapy, please think about and answer the following questions:
- -According to CBT, there are 3 ways in which an addict can learn drinking/using behaviors. In theory, all 3 interplay togther. However of the 3, which do you think “makes the most sense” to you when thinking about the nature of addictions and why? Examples?
- -CBT is more structured than other modalities of treatment. Please briefly discuss the process of treatment from beginning to end and how change is likely to take place.
- -Please share 3 concepts that you found interesting and share them with the class from the additional Topic that you chose to read in Manual 1 of our required readings. Please be sure to share examples to help demonstrate your understanding.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.
DB 5.2
At first glance, Reality Therapy could seem “simple.” Examining the WDEP process and the ideas behind Choice Theory have been widely studied and applied to a variety of treatment settings. In thinking about these concepts from your required reading and videos, please answer the following questions:
- -In thinking about Glasser’s ideas, please explain his viewpoints on Reality Therapy, Choice Theory, and basic thoughts on human behavior.
- -Please explain the WDEP process by using an addictions example of your choice. Please explain each part of the process and your example in detail.
- -In thinking about this approach to addictions, what are 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses you think might apply in your future work with clients. Please be sure to share examples to help demonstrate your understanding.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.
DB 5.3
Suzanne has come by the free “drop-in” counseling clinic were you work to get some information and advice. Suzanne is a 22-year-old single woman who has been living with her boyfriend Jack in Manhattan’s lower east side for the last four years. She and Jack have been heroin addicts for as many years. She reports using about a 1/2 gram of heroin per day just to be able to function and feel comfortable.
In order to pay for the heroin and pay the rent on their apartment, Jack doesn’t work, instead, she works the streets at night. She usually drinks four or five beers each night before going out to work. If she can’t score enough heroin, she will try to score either some Valium or Klonopin to “tide me over until I can get some ‘horse’”. She says she has tried cocaine but, “I really didn’t care for the high all that much.”
Suzanne tells you that the alcohol and heroin help to calm her nerves and get her through the night. She and Jack are not having sex all that much. When they do make love he never wears a condom. He says that’s what makes him different from her “ john’s” “Which is true because I won’t work without a condom.”
Lately she has noticed that her breasts have become swollen and more tender. She also hasn’t had her period in the last 12 weeks. She is pretty sure she is pregnant and knows it’s her boyfriend’s baby.
However she not sure she can stop using dope or work to have the baby even though Jack wants her to keep it. She really confused at what she should do and is her asking for you to help her make some decisions. Her friend who works with her at night told her not to stop using dope if she is pregnant “Because it’s worse for the baby than to keep using.” “I just don’t know what I should do?”

DBs Unit 5
- In thinking about this case, how could you conceptualize Suzanne’s case from a CBT viewpoint? Additionally, please discuss at least 5 concepts from your reading that might apply to your work with Suzanne from the beginning to the end of your treatment relationship. Please be sure to provide examples to help demonstrate your understanding and integration.
- In thinking about this case from a Reality Therapy viewpoint, how would you conceptualize Suzanne’s case? Please discuss how you might use Choice Theory and/or the WDEP model to assist Suzanne. Please be sure to provide examples to help demonstrate your understanding and integration.
NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.
Readings:
- Please read NIDA’s Therapy Manuals for Drug Addiction (Manual 1) (only pages 1-3; 13-32; 1 Topic section of your choice) covering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by clicking HERE
- Please read Kadden’s (2002) article Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Abuse Treatment: Coping Skills Training by clicking HERE .
- Please view two short video clips that discuss the concepts of Reality Therapy by clicking HERE and HERE.
- Please review the short article in regard to Reality Therapy by clicking HERE