#cognitivebehavioraltherapy — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #cognitivebehavioraltherapy, aggregated by home.social.
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DATE: July 23, 2026 at 12:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Exercise addiction: Researchers warn against pathologizing healthy dedication to sports and fitness
A recent scientific review provides evidence that physical activity can sometimes transition into a harmful behavioral addiction, though the researchers warn against pathologizing a healthy dedication to sports and fitness. The analysis suggests that truly addicted individuals engage in compulsive training that leads to severe physical and emotional consequences, even though the condition remains absent from official psychiatric diagnostic manuals. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
Regular physical activity provides well-documented benefits for both the body and the mind. It lowers the risk of chronic diseases, improves mental health, and boosts overall quality of life. However, exercise can sometimes shift from a healthy habit to an uncontrollable and destructive behavior.
A team of scientists reviewed existing literature to untangle the varying definitions, symptoms, and treatment options surrounding this condition. The research team included Bhavya Chhabra, a researcher at Eötvös Loránd University; Zsolt Demetrovics, a professor in mental health and wellbeing at Flinders University; Attila Szabo, a professor of psychology at Széchenyi István University and Eötvös Loránd University; and Mark D. Griffiths, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University. The authors initiated this review because the scientific community currently struggles to agree on exactly how to define and measure problematic fitness habits.
Exercise addiction is classified as a behavioral addiction. Unlike a substance addiction to drugs or alcohol, a behavioral addiction involves a person becoming dependent on a specific action. In this case, an individual feels intense urges to work out and experiences withdrawal symptoms like emotional distress if they are unable to train.
The scientists explain that true addiction always involves two main ingredients, which are dependence and compulsion. Dependence means the body or mind relies on the activity to function normally. Compulsion refers to an overwhelming, irresistible urge to perform the behavior.
“The key difference is whether exercise is a choice, or something a person feels compelled to do,” Demetrovics said. He notes that passion, discipline, and high training loads are generally positive traits, especially among athletes, but these healthy habits can sometimes tip into harmful territory.
Addiction to physical activity can be categorized as either primary or secondary. In primary exercise addiction, the workout itself is the main source of the addictive reward. In secondary exercise addiction, the excessive activity is driven by another underlying condition, such as an eating disorder or body image disturbance.
“Underlying drivers are often more complex than the workouts themselves, with social pressures around body image and performance, alongside mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, playing a significant role,” Demetrovics said. “In many cases, excessive exercise is linked to deeper issues such as eating disorders or other compulsive behaviors.”
Despite over fifty years of research, this condition is not formally recognized in major medical texts like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The researchers note that this exclusion stems from inconsistent screening methods and a lack of clinical studies. The academic literature uses more than thirty different assessment tools to describe the problem, with no general agreement on which is best.
“It has led to inflated estimates and a tendency to pathologize normal, healthy exercise,” Demetrovics said. He explains that studies on how many people actually suffer from this condition yield highly inconsistent numbers, largely depending on the screening tool used.
“Widely quoted figures suggest up to 42% of some exercising populations are at risk of being labeled addicted to exercise,” Demetrovics said. The authors point out that these inflated numbers likely result from relying on basic self-report surveys, which often struggle to tell the difference between a healthy passion for sports and a true pathology.
“While screening tools can indicate possible risk, they cannot diagnose exercise addiction which means the line is often blurred between genuine harm and healthy commitment,” Szabo said. Questionnaires can measure a person’s dedication, but they cannot replace a formal clinical diagnosis.
“As a result, highly motivated athletes and regular exercisers can be misclassified but it’s important to differentiate that being dedicated to fitness is not the same as addiction,” Szabo said. These high scores often reflect deep passion rather than an underlying mental health issue.
The scientists also mapped out how this addiction tends to develop. They found that it often begins as a recreational activity aimed at improving health. Over time, individuals might start using the activity as a psychological escape to cope with stress or emotional hardship. Eventually, the behavior becomes an inflexible obligation that dominates a person’s life.
These behaviors signal a shift from healthy habits to damaging routines. “Exercising through pain or injury, feeling anxious or guilty when missing sessions, or consistently prioritizing training over rest, relationships or responsibilities are the signals that exercise may be shifting from something enjoyable to something compulsive,” Szabo said.
Psychologically, certain models suggest that addiction arises abruptly from a sudden, overwhelming life stressor. A traumatic event, such as a relationship breakup or job loss, can cause a person to retreat into physical training as their only coping mechanism. This means that for some people, the addiction triggers rapidly in response to psychological pain.
Physiological models provide evidence that natural brain chemicals play a role in this addictive cycle. Engaging in physical activity releases endocannabinoids, which are natural compounds in the body that reduce pain and create a sense of euphoria. People who exercise excessively may become dependent on this chemical response, experiencing drug-like withdrawal symptoms when they rest.
Another biological explanation focuses on resting energy levels. This idea suggests that regular physical activity lowers a person’s baseline nervous system activity. To counteract feeling lethargic during the day, the individual might feel forced to increase their workout volume just to feel normal and alert.
The resulting negative consequences span multiple areas of an individual’s life. Addicted exercisers often push through severe physical injuries, knowing their actions will cause further bodily harm. They also tend to neglect family, friends, and work responsibilities, leading to social isolation and a decreased quality of life.
Regarding treatment, the authors found that interventions used for other behavioral addictions show promise. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely recommended to help patients identify maladaptive thought patterns and establish balanced fitness routines. This form of therapy helps individuals change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors into healthier ones.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is another suggested approach. This therapy encourages patients to mindfully accept the uncomfortable cravings they feel when they miss a workout, rather than acting on them. By developing psychological flexibility, individuals can slowly break the addictive cycle and find alternative ways to cope with stress.
Cue exposure therapy is another method discussed by the scientists. In this approach, a psychologist repeatedly exposes a patient to triggers that normally cause the urge to work out. The patient is then guided to resist the behavior, which slowly weakens the mental link between the trigger and the compulsion.
Substitution therapy also offers a practical path forward. This strategy encourages patients to find pleasure in alternative, low-impact activities. Hobbies like meditation, yoga, or volunteer work can replace the problematic behavior and provide a different source of personal reward.
Psychological therapies are the first line of defense, but the researchers note that pharmacological treatments could be considered in certain cases. Medications that help balance brain chemicals have proven effective for other behavioral addictions, like compulsive gambling or shopping. Because exercise addiction lacks an official medical diagnosis, doctors rarely prescribe medication specifically for this condition.
A major limitation in current research is the heavy reliance on screening questionnaires rather than clinical interviews. High scores on these tests simply indicate a risk of addiction, which is often misinterpreted as a confirmed diagnosis. A person might score high simply because they are highly dedicated to a sport, rather than actually suffering from a mental health disorder.
Future studies need to shift their focus from calculating risk scores to studying actual, diagnosed cases of addiction. The authors recommend increased collaboration between academic researchers and clinical psychologists. When researchers identify someone at risk, they should refer that person to a clinician who can determine if a true addiction exists.
There is also a pressing need for larger, long-term studies that track individuals over extended periods. Experimental research will help scientists better understand the underlying causes of this disorder. Establishing solid clinical evidence is a necessary step before exercise addiction can be officially recognized in diagnostic manuals.
Even without an official diagnosis, public health initiatives can take steps to minimize harm. Promoting balanced fitness routines and educating sports organizations about the warning signs of overtraining can help prevent healthy habits from turning into destructive compulsions. Educational campaigns should emphasize overall well-being over extreme performance or appearance goals.
The researchers hope their findings encourage a more balanced approach to physical fitness. “Our message isn’t to exercise less, it’s to exercise smarter by building in rest and recovery days, focusing on overall wellbeing rather than appearance or performance, and seeking support early if exercise starts to feel like an obligation rather than a choice,” Szabo said.
Recognizing personal limits remains an essential part of any training program. “In a culture that celebrates pushing harder, more isn’t always better and staying healthy means knowing when to pull back as well as when to push forward,” Demetrovics said.
The paper, “Exercise addiction: A review and evaluation of current research and theory,” was authored by Bhavya Chhabra, Zsolt Demetrovics, Mark D. Griffiths, and Attila Szabo.
-------------------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
-------------------------------------------------
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #ExerciseAddiction #HealthyDedicationVsAddiction #BehavioralAddictions #OvertrainingAwareness #BalancedFitness #RecoveryAndRest #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #CueExposureTherapy #MentalHealthInSports
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DATE: July 23, 2026 at 12:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Exercise addiction: Researchers warn against pathologizing healthy dedication to sports and fitness
A recent scientific review provides evidence that physical activity can sometimes transition into a harmful behavioral addiction, though the researchers warn against pathologizing a healthy dedication to sports and fitness. The analysis suggests that truly addicted individuals engage in compulsive training that leads to severe physical and emotional consequences, even though the condition remains absent from official psychiatric diagnostic manuals. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
Regular physical activity provides well-documented benefits for both the body and the mind. It lowers the risk of chronic diseases, improves mental health, and boosts overall quality of life. However, exercise can sometimes shift from a healthy habit to an uncontrollable and destructive behavior.
A team of scientists reviewed existing literature to untangle the varying definitions, symptoms, and treatment options surrounding this condition. The research team included Bhavya Chhabra, a researcher at Eötvös Loránd University; Zsolt Demetrovics, a professor in mental health and wellbeing at Flinders University; Attila Szabo, a professor of psychology at Széchenyi István University and Eötvös Loránd University; and Mark D. Griffiths, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University. The authors initiated this review because the scientific community currently struggles to agree on exactly how to define and measure problematic fitness habits.
Exercise addiction is classified as a behavioral addiction. Unlike a substance addiction to drugs or alcohol, a behavioral addiction involves a person becoming dependent on a specific action. In this case, an individual feels intense urges to work out and experiences withdrawal symptoms like emotional distress if they are unable to train.
The scientists explain that true addiction always involves two main ingredients, which are dependence and compulsion. Dependence means the body or mind relies on the activity to function normally. Compulsion refers to an overwhelming, irresistible urge to perform the behavior.
“The key difference is whether exercise is a choice, or something a person feels compelled to do,” Demetrovics said. He notes that passion, discipline, and high training loads are generally positive traits, especially among athletes, but these healthy habits can sometimes tip into harmful territory.
Addiction to physical activity can be categorized as either primary or secondary. In primary exercise addiction, the workout itself is the main source of the addictive reward. In secondary exercise addiction, the excessive activity is driven by another underlying condition, such as an eating disorder or body image disturbance.
“Underlying drivers are often more complex than the workouts themselves, with social pressures around body image and performance, alongside mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, playing a significant role,” Demetrovics said. “In many cases, excessive exercise is linked to deeper issues such as eating disorders or other compulsive behaviors.”
Despite over fifty years of research, this condition is not formally recognized in major medical texts like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The researchers note that this exclusion stems from inconsistent screening methods and a lack of clinical studies. The academic literature uses more than thirty different assessment tools to describe the problem, with no general agreement on which is best.
“It has led to inflated estimates and a tendency to pathologize normal, healthy exercise,” Demetrovics said. He explains that studies on how many people actually suffer from this condition yield highly inconsistent numbers, largely depending on the screening tool used.
“Widely quoted figures suggest up to 42% of some exercising populations are at risk of being labeled addicted to exercise,” Demetrovics said. The authors point out that these inflated numbers likely result from relying on basic self-report surveys, which often struggle to tell the difference between a healthy passion for sports and a true pathology.
“While screening tools can indicate possible risk, they cannot diagnose exercise addiction which means the line is often blurred between genuine harm and healthy commitment,” Szabo said. Questionnaires can measure a person’s dedication, but they cannot replace a formal clinical diagnosis.
“As a result, highly motivated athletes and regular exercisers can be misclassified but it’s important to differentiate that being dedicated to fitness is not the same as addiction,” Szabo said. These high scores often reflect deep passion rather than an underlying mental health issue.
The scientists also mapped out how this addiction tends to develop. They found that it often begins as a recreational activity aimed at improving health. Over time, individuals might start using the activity as a psychological escape to cope with stress or emotional hardship. Eventually, the behavior becomes an inflexible obligation that dominates a person’s life.
These behaviors signal a shift from healthy habits to damaging routines. “Exercising through pain or injury, feeling anxious or guilty when missing sessions, or consistently prioritizing training over rest, relationships or responsibilities are the signals that exercise may be shifting from something enjoyable to something compulsive,” Szabo said.
Psychologically, certain models suggest that addiction arises abruptly from a sudden, overwhelming life stressor. A traumatic event, such as a relationship breakup or job loss, can cause a person to retreat into physical training as their only coping mechanism. This means that for some people, the addiction triggers rapidly in response to psychological pain.
Physiological models provide evidence that natural brain chemicals play a role in this addictive cycle. Engaging in physical activity releases endocannabinoids, which are natural compounds in the body that reduce pain and create a sense of euphoria. People who exercise excessively may become dependent on this chemical response, experiencing drug-like withdrawal symptoms when they rest.
Another biological explanation focuses on resting energy levels. This idea suggests that regular physical activity lowers a person’s baseline nervous system activity. To counteract feeling lethargic during the day, the individual might feel forced to increase their workout volume just to feel normal and alert.
The resulting negative consequences span multiple areas of an individual’s life. Addicted exercisers often push through severe physical injuries, knowing their actions will cause further bodily harm. They also tend to neglect family, friends, and work responsibilities, leading to social isolation and a decreased quality of life.
Regarding treatment, the authors found that interventions used for other behavioral addictions show promise. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely recommended to help patients identify maladaptive thought patterns and establish balanced fitness routines. This form of therapy helps individuals change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors into healthier ones.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is another suggested approach. This therapy encourages patients to mindfully accept the uncomfortable cravings they feel when they miss a workout, rather than acting on them. By developing psychological flexibility, individuals can slowly break the addictive cycle and find alternative ways to cope with stress.
Cue exposure therapy is another method discussed by the scientists. In this approach, a psychologist repeatedly exposes a patient to triggers that normally cause the urge to work out. The patient is then guided to resist the behavior, which slowly weakens the mental link between the trigger and the compulsion.
Substitution therapy also offers a practical path forward. This strategy encourages patients to find pleasure in alternative, low-impact activities. Hobbies like meditation, yoga, or volunteer work can replace the problematic behavior and provide a different source of personal reward.
Psychological therapies are the first line of defense, but the researchers note that pharmacological treatments could be considered in certain cases. Medications that help balance brain chemicals have proven effective for other behavioral addictions, like compulsive gambling or shopping. Because exercise addiction lacks an official medical diagnosis, doctors rarely prescribe medication specifically for this condition.
A major limitation in current research is the heavy reliance on screening questionnaires rather than clinical interviews. High scores on these tests simply indicate a risk of addiction, which is often misinterpreted as a confirmed diagnosis. A person might score high simply because they are highly dedicated to a sport, rather than actually suffering from a mental health disorder.
Future studies need to shift their focus from calculating risk scores to studying actual, diagnosed cases of addiction. The authors recommend increased collaboration between academic researchers and clinical psychologists. When researchers identify someone at risk, they should refer that person to a clinician who can determine if a true addiction exists.
There is also a pressing need for larger, long-term studies that track individuals over extended periods. Experimental research will help scientists better understand the underlying causes of this disorder. Establishing solid clinical evidence is a necessary step before exercise addiction can be officially recognized in diagnostic manuals.
Even without an official diagnosis, public health initiatives can take steps to minimize harm. Promoting balanced fitness routines and educating sports organizations about the warning signs of overtraining can help prevent healthy habits from turning into destructive compulsions. Educational campaigns should emphasize overall well-being over extreme performance or appearance goals.
The researchers hope their findings encourage a more balanced approach to physical fitness. “Our message isn’t to exercise less, it’s to exercise smarter by building in rest and recovery days, focusing on overall wellbeing rather than appearance or performance, and seeking support early if exercise starts to feel like an obligation rather than a choice,” Szabo said.
Recognizing personal limits remains an essential part of any training program. “In a culture that celebrates pushing harder, more isn’t always better and staying healthy means knowing when to pull back as well as when to push forward,” Demetrovics said.
The paper, “Exercise addiction: A review and evaluation of current research and theory,” was authored by Bhavya Chhabra, Zsolt Demetrovics, Mark D. Griffiths, and Attila Szabo.
-------------------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
-------------------------------------------------
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #ExerciseAddiction #HealthyDedicationVsAddiction #BehavioralAddictions #OvertrainingAwareness #BalancedFitness #RecoveryAndRest #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #CueExposureTherapy #MentalHealthInSports
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking
May 12, 2026 At a Glance People with alcohol use disorder and obesity drank less when treated with…
#NewsBeep #News #Medication #alcoholconsumption #alcoholusedisorder #AndersFink-Jensen #AU #aud #Australia #CBT #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #GLP-1receptoragonists #Health #Obesity #randomizedcontrolledtrial #RCT #semaglutide #thelancet
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/666447/ -
GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking
May 12, 2026 At a Glance People with alcohol use disorder and obesity drank less when treated with…
#NewsBeep #News #Medication #alcoholconsumption #alcoholusedisorder #AndersFink-Jensen #AU #aud #Australia #CBT #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #GLP-1receptoragonists #Health #Obesity #randomizedcontrolledtrial #RCT #semaglutide #thelancet
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/666447/ -
GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking
May 12, 2026 At a Glance People with alcohol use disorder and obesity drank less when treated with…
#NewsBeep #News #Medication #Alcoholconsumption #alcoholusedisorder #AndersFink-Jensen #aud #CA #Canada #CBT #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #GLP-1receptoragonists #Health #obesity #Randomizedcontrolledtrial #RCT #Semaglutide #TheLancet
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/664846/ -
https://www.europesays.com/ie/481178/ GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking #AlcoholConsumption #AlcoholUseDisorder #AndersFinkJensen #aud #CBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #Éire #GLP1ReceptorAgonists #Health #IE #Ireland #Medication #Obesity #RandomizedControlledTrial #RCT #semaglutide #TheLancet
-
https://www.europesays.com/uk/955141/ GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking #AlcoholConsumption #AlcoholUseDisorder #AndersFinkJensen #AUD #CBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #GLP1ReceptorAgonists #Health #Medication #Obesity #RandomizedControlledTrial #RCT #Semaglutide #TheLancet #UK #UnitedKingdom
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
https://www.europesays.com/ie/430933/ The Supplement in Your Gym Bag Helps Reduce Depression As Much as Medication #BuildingMuscle #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #creatine #CreatineWorks #Depression #Éire #EuropeanNeuropsychopharmacology #Health #IE #Ireland #MentalHealth #MentalHealth #TheSupplement
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
The Supplement in Your Gym Bag Helps Reduce Depression As Much as Medication
The Supplement in Every Gym Bag May Also Be Healing the Brain, Doctor Explains New research suggests that…
#NewsBeep #News #Mentalhealth #AU #Australia #buildingmuscle #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #creatine #CreatineWorks #depression #EuropeanNeuropsychopharmacology #Health #MentalHealth #TheSupplement
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/599521/ -
The Supplement in Your Gym Bag Helps Reduce Depression As Much as Medication
The Supplement in Every Gym Bag May Also Be Healing the Brain, Doctor Explains New research suggests that…
#NewsBeep #News #Mentalhealth #AU #Australia #buildingmuscle #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #creatine #CreatineWorks #depression #EuropeanNeuropsychopharmacology #Health #MentalHealth #TheSupplement
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/599521/ -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
https://www.europesays.com/dk/?p=55968 Trapped by ‘kindness’: Why victims defend their abusers #abuser #captor #CBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #DBT #depression #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #DomesticAbuse #DrSitiAisyahPanatik #EmotionalConfusion #empathy #InterpersonalSkills #PsychologicalBonding #psychology #PTSD #SocialMedia #Stockholm #StockholmSyndrome #SurvivalMechanism #Sweden #trauma #Treatment #UniversitiTeknologiMalaysia #UTM #victims
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
Intense Exercise May Help Ward Off Panic Attacks
If you’re prone to panic attacks, suddenly running as fast as you possibly can might not be…
#NewsBeep #News #Fitness #anxiety #CA #Canada #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #Exercise #Health
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/569675/ -
https://www.europesays.com/uk/859180/ Intense Exercise May Help Ward Off Panic Attacks #anxiety #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #exercise #Fitness #Health #UK #UnitedKingdom
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
https://www.europesays.com/dk/45493/ Understanding stockholm syndrome: Why victims may feel sympathy for their abusers #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #IndustrialOrganisationalPsychology #PostTraumaticStressDisorder #Stockholm #StockholmSyndrome #Sweden #UniversitiTeknologiMalaysia
-
CBT reminder:
Thoughts ≠ facts.
Feelings ≠ commands.
Behaviors are decisions.
When you change how you interpret events, emotional reactions follow. -
Building Resilience: A Community Approach to Mental Health Literacy and Compassion
#MentalHealth #SelfCenteredness #Narcissism #CommunicationSkills #HealthLiteracy #Empathy #BehavioralHealth #Boundaries #Mindfulness #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #ActiveListening #MotivationalInterviewing #CompassionateCare #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #Resilience #CulturalSensitivity #MentalWellness #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth
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Building Resilience: A Community Approach to Mental Health Literacy and Compassion
#MentalHealth #SelfCenteredness #Narcissism #CommunicationSkills #HealthLiteracy #Empathy #BehavioralHealth #Boundaries #Mindfulness #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #ActiveListening #MotivationalInterviewing #CompassionateCare #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #Resilience #CulturalSensitivity #MentalWellness #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth
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https://psychedelicmentalhealth.net/spotlight-smart-recovery-psychedelic-assisted-psychotherapy/ #psychedelics #ketamine #mentalhealth #psychedelicmentalhealth #recovery #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #neuroscience #psychedelictherapy #psychedelicassistedtherapy #psychedelicassistedpsychotherapy #ketaminetherapy #ketamineassistedpsychotherapy #psychedelicresearch #smartrecovery
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Brain circuitry changes linked to therapeutic success in depression treatment https://flip.it/iHOnRl #mentalhealth #psychedelicmentalhealth #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #psychedelicassistedpsychotherapy #ketamineassistedpsychotherapy
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Beyond Willpower in Addiction: 4 Powerful Lessons
Originally Published on November 11th, 2025 at 08:00 amWe often think of addiction as a private, grueling battle of willpower.
Whether it’s a dependency on a substance, a behavior like gambling, or even an unhealthy pattern in a relationship, the prevailing narrative suggests that breaking free is a matter of pure, individual strength.
If you just try hard enough, you can overcome it. If you fail, it’s a personal failing.
But what if this framework is fundamentally flawed? A recent, year-long study offers a more structured, hopeful, and evidence-based path to recovery.
Researchers applied a specific form of therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to individuals struggling with a range of addictions and discovered that the right tools can do more than just help people cope; they can fundamentally transform their lives.
It’s about building a life so full and satisfying that the addiction no longer has room to thrive.
This year-long study is particularly significant because it was conducted in Kazakhstan, a region where evidence-based psychotherapy is still emerging and social stigma can be a major barrier to recovery.
This article distills the four most impactful takeaways from this groundbreaking research. It reveals how a systematic therapeutic approach can lead to profound, measurable life changes, challenging the myth that recovery is simply a matter of gritting your teeth and pushing through.
Lesson 1: The Change to Isn’t Small, It’s Transformative
While we might expect therapy to offer some benefit, the sheer magnitude of improvement seen in this study was extraordinary.
Participants who received Cognitive Behavioral Therapy didn’t just get slightly better; they experienced a dramatic and measurable enhancement in their overall well-being.
The study used the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), which measures well-being across four key areas. The results were staggering.
On average, the experimental groups saw their quality of life scores jump from the low 40s to the mid-70s on a 100-point scale. To put that in concrete terms, participants with alcohol use disorder went from an average score of 42.31 before therapy to 74.47 after one year.
This isn’t just a number on a chart; it represents a profound shift from a life constrained by addiction to one filled with new possibilities and well-being.
Meanwhile, the control groups, those who did not receive CBT, saw no meaningful improvement in their quality of life, with their average scores remaining essentially unchanged.
This powerful contrast repositions recovery as a genuine opportunity to build a measurably better and more satisfying life.
It’s about building a life so full and satisfying that the addiction no longer has room to thrive.
Are you exploring your trauma? Do you feel your childhood experiences were detrimental to your current mental or physical health? Utilize this free, validated, self-report questionnaire to find out.
Take the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Questionnaire
Beyond Willpower Lesson 2: The Same Tools Can Fix Different Problems
One of the most compelling aspects of the study was its breadth.
Researchers applied the same core therapeutic model, CBT, to four very different challenges:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Drug addiction
- Gambling disorder
- Codependency
The key finding was that CBT was highly effective across the board.
For every single group that received therapy, there was a statistically significant reduction in the severity of their addiction. The data paints a clear picture of this versatility:
- For drug addiction, the experimental group’s average severity score dropped from 7.96 (signifying harmful use) down to 3.14 (representing low-risk or minimal use).
- For gambling disorder, the average severity score plummeted from a “severe” 39.55 to a “mild or moderate” 14.36.
This suggests that no matter the substance or behavior, the underlying challenge is often the same: learning to recognize triggers, challenge automatic negative thoughts, and develop new, healthier coping strategies.
CBT provides a toolkit for rewiring these exact processes, effectively helping people move from a place of denial or ambivalence into decisive action and long-term maintenance.
Do you have enough hours for your LPC renewal? Are you in need of continuing education, but bored with the current offerings? Check out Dr. Weeks’ course on Cannabis Use Disorder, and other unique courses on her practice website.
Sexual Addiction Treatment Services has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7250. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Sexual Addiction Treatment Services is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Lesson 3: Codependency Isn’t Just a “Relationship Problem.” It’s Treatable.
The study took the significant step of including codependency, an excessive emotional or psychological dependence on a partner, often linked to that partner’s addiction, alongside clinical addictions. While codependency is not formally classified as a standalone diagnosis in major manuals like the DSM-5-TR, the researchers recognized it as a clinically significant phenomenon that is actively addressed in rehabilitation.
The results were a powerful validation of this approach.
The experimental group for codependency saw their average severity scores drop from a “high level” of 69.12 to a “moderate or low level” of 31.44. The control group, in stark contrast, showed no significant change.
For anyone who has felt trapped in a dynamic of supporting someone else’s addiction at the expense of their own well-being, this finding is a beacon of hope.
This is a crucial takeaway.
It frames the struggle of codependency not as a character flaw or an intractable relationship dynamic, but as a treatable condition. It offers empowerment and a clear path toward building greater independence, self-esteem, and healthier relationship dynamics.
Beyond Willpower Lesson 4: Recovery Isn’t Just Stopping, It’s a Total Life Upgrade
The study’s design was brilliant in its simplicity: it measured success in two ways. It tracked the reduction of the negative (addiction severity) and the increase of the positive (overall quality of life). The results showed that these two things are deeply intertwined.
The “quality of life” assessment wasn’t a vague feeling of happiness; it was a concrete evaluation of four essential domains of life:
- Physical Health: Including energy and fatigue, quality of sleep, and even physical mobility.
- Psychological Health: Covering everything from positive feelings and self-esteem to the ability to concentrate and learn new things.
- Social Relationships: Examining the quality of personal relationships, the strength of social support networks, and even sexual activity.
- Environment: Looking at practical, real-world factors like financial security, physical safety, the comfort of one’s home, and access to healthcare.
The participants who underwent CBT saw significant improvements across all of these areas. This demonstrates that effective treatment doesn’t just happen in a therapist’s office. It radiates outward, improving every facet of a person’s existence.
True recovery, as this study shows, is about building a life that is so robust and fulfilling that the old addictive behaviors no longer hold the same power or appeal.
Conclusion: A New Framework for Change
The findings from this study in Kazakhstan provide a powerful, evidence-based roadmap for recovery that moves far beyond the limited concept of willpower.
It shows that addiction, in its many forms, is not a moral failing but a condition that responds remarkably well to structured, compassionate, and science-backed intervention.
By focusing on cognitive and behavioral strategies, individuals can achieve not just abstinence, but a transformative and holistic improvement in their lives. The tools exist, the evidence is clear, and the potential for change is immense.
This research leaves us with a vital question to consider:
If we can treat these complex issues so effectively, what does that change about how we should approach mental health and personal growth in our own lives?
Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses? Then you should stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!
Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.
Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39243659/ Psychoactive substances for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders (Zhen, et al, 2024) #psychedelics #mentalhealth #neuroscience #psychotherapy #psychedelic #ketamine #mdma #fda #psychedelicmentalhealth #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #psychiatry #neuropsychiatry #consciousness #brains #ketaminetherapy #mdmaassistedpsychotherapy
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Neural correlates and subjective experiences in meditation vs psychedelics, including ketamine (Preliminary Lit Review)
A preliminary, evolving review of the literature. (Ongoing Draft- 70 papers spanning 72 years so far ) | Psychedelic Institute of Mental Health & Family Therapy #neuroscience #meditation #psychedelics #ketamine #psychedelic #akrasia #research #litreview #cognitivebehavioraltherapy https://psychedelicmentalhealth.net/neural-correlates-subjective-experiences-meditation-psychedelics-ketamine-psychotherapy/ -
Neural correlates and subjective experiences in meditation vs psychedelics, including ketamine (Preliminary Lit Review)
A preliminary, evolving review of the literature. (Ongoing Draft- 70 papers spanning 72 years so far ) | Psychedelic Institute of Mental Health & Family Therapy #neuroscience #meditation #psychedelics #ketamine #psychedelic #akrasia #research #litreview #cognitivebehavioraltherapy https://psychedelicmentalhealth.net/neural-correlates-subjective-experiences-meditation-psychedelics-ketamine-psychotherapy/
