If you’re looking for addiction treatment, you might want to consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). At ALANA Recovery in Georgia, we believe recovery is about so much more than just quitting substances—it’s about healing, rebuilding relationships, and finding yourself again. We use evidence-based therapies like CBT to help you on your journey.
Whether you’re dealing with a substance use disorder, a mental health challenge, or both, our programs are here to offer care that’s compassionate and supportive. As part of the Promises Behavioral Health family, ALANA Recovery is ready to help you take that first step toward a better life. Call 770.759.7474 today or reach out online—we’re here for you.
What to know about addiction and mental health
Addiction isn’t just about substances—it’s often linked to deeper emotional pain, unresolved trauma, or unmanaged mental health conditions. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 35% of adults in the United States aged 18 and over who struggle with a mental health condition also experience a substance use disorder.1 That overlap can make recovery more complex, but it also means that addressing mental health is a powerful part of the healing process.
At ALANA Recovery, we understand the specifics of SUDs. We meet you where you are and help you build a path that feels right for your journey.
How is mental healthcare related to addiction recovery?
Struggling with addiction isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental, too. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with overwhelming feelings, like constant anxiety or deep depression that makes daily life feel unbearable. Without the proper support, these mental health struggles can make it even harder to stay sober.
That’s why mental health care is such a key part of recovery. It helps you recognize the triggers—whether they’re emotions, situations, or relationships—that lead to substance use. It’s also about building healthier ways to cope with stress, pain, or sadness so you don’t have to rely on substances. More than that, it’s a chance to understand yourself better, break free from patterns that have held you back, and start creating positive changes in your life.
What therapeutic approaches are commonly used in addiction treatment?
At ALANA Recovery, we know that every person’s journey is unique, and no single solution works for everyone. That’s why we offer a variety of therapies designed to meet your specific needs. Whether it’s psychotherapy, where we work together to navigate challenges and set meaningful goals, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, a proven approach for tackling addiction and mental health struggles, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Motivational interviewing is another option, helping you uncover your reasons for recovery. Finally, group therapy provides a supportive and connected space for healing.
Some people benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while others may find strength in peer groups and trauma therapy. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your life and goals.
How psychotherapy can help you
Psychotherapy offers a safe space to talk about what’s on your mind, work through past experiences, and find better ways to handle life’s ups and downs. It’s not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you feel heard, supported, and understood.
Here’s how therapy can make a difference:
- Helping you explore past experiences and how they shape your present
- Shifting negative thought patterns into more positive ones
- Finding tools to manage your emotions in a healthy way
- Building stronger, more effective communication skills
If you’ve tried white-knuckling recovery on your own, psychotherapy might be the missing piece. At ALANA Recovery, we offer psychotherapy as part of our outpatient addiction treatment programs throughout Georgia.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a short-term, goal-focused approach that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. It’s particularly effective for those living with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and SUDs.
Instead of dwelling on what’s gone wrong, CBT invites you to examine how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors and how you can shift those thoughts to support healing.
For example, if you often think, “I’ll never be able to stay sober,” CBT can help you notice and challenge that belief. It will help you replace it with something more supportive, like “I’ve made it one day, and I can make it to another.”
How do CBT techniques work with addiction treatment?
CBT is a game-changer when it comes to addiction recovery. It helps you:
- Recognize your triggers: Learn to spot the thoughts, feelings, or places that lead to cravings.
- Break the cycle: Interrupt those automatic reactions before they take over.
- Find better responses: Discover healthier ways to deal with stress and challenging situations.
- Celebrate wins: Track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
Some standard CBT techniques include thought records, which help you notice and reframe unhelpful thoughts, and behavioral experiments, where you can try new ways of responding in a safe space. Support and guidance help you gradually face fears through exposure exercises. It’s all about building confidence and creating sustainable change, one step at a time.
CBT techniques help patients get out of autopilot mode and start making intentional choices again. At ALANA Recovery, our experienced therapists bring these tools into your recovery journey in ways that feel encouraging, not overwhelming.
Discover support and healing with ALANA Recovery
ALANA Recovery is here for you if you’re starting your recovery journey or looking for help for the first time. With care, compassion, and tools that truly make a difference, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Located in Georgia and part of the Promises Behavioral Health family, we’re proud to walk this path with you—no one should have to do it alone.
It’s never too early or too late to take your first step to move toward a life after narcotics and alcohol. Reach out online or call 770.759.7474 today to talk with someone who gets it.
Footnote: