Overview
Like with Motivational Interviewing (MI), there is a broad research literature demonstrating the value of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) across a range of conditions and behaviors, including high-risk alcohol and drug choices. Simplified, CBT notes that our thoughts and behaviors influence our actions. It accompanies a wide range of approaches including learning coping skills for emotional regulation, drink refusal skills, and handling craving and relapses. In addition to active skills training, CBT can also include careful considerations of sequences of thoughts and behaviors, identifying points of intervention. CBT notes that altering either thoughts or behaviors can lead to change, as can shifting the consequences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Prime Programs
Within the Prime programs, skills training elements are drawn from CBT practices. For example, in Prime For Life® participants are taught stimulus control when they are taught to respond to cues for drinking with alternative low-risk choices. In Prime Solutions® during the Session Topic See, Feel, Think, Do clients do a functional behavioral analysis to identify thoughts and feelings that might be cueing responses.