Understanding Different Behavioral Therapy Approaches

What separates humans from every other animal and what makes us the dominant species is our prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain in humans is larger than any other animal, and it gives us a great advantage in life. The limbic system is also in this part of the brain, and responsible for context-dependent learning. In other words, it helps us survive through three simple steps:

• Trigger
• Behavior
• Reward

For example, when we get hungry (trigger), we eat food (behavior), and we’re no longer hungry (reward). The next time we’re hungry, we know to go find food to handle the issue. This becomes a subconscious, automated response or habit, which turns into an issue for those with an addiction. For example, depression can lead to drinking or using drugs to get rid of sadness, and you can’t stop it.

Alcohol and drugs are only a symptom of addiction. The goal of the behavioral therapy program in Lake Arrowhead, California is to help retrain your brain. This comes through changing your coping mechanisms for dealing with the stresses of everyday life. This is the key to long-term sobriety, especially since your triggers will be waiting for you after treatment is over. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to replace your behaviors with healthy ones to develop new habits.

The survival part of your brain has been running the show for too long. Serenity Lodge’s addiction treatment therapy in Lake Arrowhead, California helps to get your prefrontal cortex working again. One of the best ways to do this is with a simple practice called mindfulness, which is a form of meditation. With mindfulness, you can do the practice formally or informally, which means sitting with eyes closed or not. Research has proven that when you regularly practice mindfulness, you strengthen the prefrontal cortex of the brain.

Being mindful is all about paying attention in the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. By learning this technique at our treatment facility, you’ll gain the ability to identify the triggers immediately and regain a choice. As you continue this practice, you’ll begin to switch out of autopilot and begin to learn how to respond rather than react.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that works perfectly with the mindfulness practices you’ll learn at Serenity Lodge. This therapy is about learning how to modify your thinking process as well as your following behaviors. Experienced and compassionate therapists will help you begin switching from negative to positive thoughts and from negative behaviors to healthy behaviors. Through this type of therapy and the DBT program in Lake Arrowhead, California, your brain will begin to rewire and your cravings become easier to handle.

Take the first step to lasting change utilizing the behavioral therapy program in Lake Arrowhead, California. Call Serenity Lodge now at (855) 932-4045.