Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in Relation to Addiction - Research Paper Example

 Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in Relation to Addiction Albert Ellis developed the rational emotive behavior therapy in the mid-1950s in order to fasten the rate at which his patients were making progress after his psychoanalytic sessions. He reasoned that the thinking of the patients deterred them from making progress. He based his theory on biological, psychological, and social factors. After its discovery, other psychoanalysts have tried to describe its applications. However, the core of the theory has remained the fact that an individual’s beliefs c on tribute greatly to the emotional problems he or she may suffer. This paper will detail the application of the theory in cases concerning addiction. Ellis (2007) appreciated the fact that emotions and behaviors result from cognitive processes. Therefore, he deciphered that altering the belief system of an individual would translate to as change in the cognitive realm. Such changes can alter behavior and emotions. The theory highlights that most of the problems that people face are a consequence of their belief system and thinking. In order to illustrate the role of cognition in behavior and emotions, Ellis constructed a framework. The ABC framework that he described still proves to be a useful pillar in understanding the basis of the theory. The ‘A1’ of the framework represents the activating agent. Ellis realized that an event occurred that caused the human mind to engage in a cognitive theory. He also described the effect of the inference that an individual made after the event of significance. He designated this inference as ‘A2. ‘B’ referred to the belief that resulted from A1 and A2. The resulting belief resulted to a reaction that is evident in behavior. According to Ellis (2011), a problem appeared worse to an individual if he or she had an irrational thinking. An irrational thinking in this sense referred to any belief that hindered any growth towards the achievement of goals. Moreover, irrational thoughts had the potential of creating obstacles in one’s way making it difficult to realize goals. He also mentioned that irrational thinking caused immense anxieties and distresses to individuals making them dissatisfied with life’s circumstances. In order to get rid of the obstacles created by irrational thinking, an individual had to replace the negative belief systems with a rational set of beliefs. Irrational thinking drives an individual to expect too much from the self, others and life in general. In most cases, these expectations prove to be unrealistic, and the individual suffers distress. Rational thinking should focus on accepting the self without setting any conditions while accepting other individuals without unrealistic expectations. Moreover, an individual must also realize that life comprises of both good and bad times and learn ways of coping with life’s uncertainties. An addiction is a habit that is beyond the control of an individual. Most of the individuals who face addictions derive a level of pleasure from the habitual activity. Unable to resist the urge, they indulge in the activity on a regular basis. Addiction has the potential of enslaving an individual. This is evident in those addicted to smoking, abusing substances and other activities (Ellis, 2011). Quitting such an important may prove quite impossible for the individual. Abandoning unhealthy addictions may also involve a cognitive process. Many people engage in drug abuse in order to create an illusion to evade their real circumstances. Research shows that drugs have the potential to alter the cognitive processes of the brain. The resulting effect serves as a consolation to the individual causing a temporary escape from the realities of life. Irrational thinking is the cause of the negative emotions that the individual faces. For example, individuals who harbor guilt feelings for a long period are likely to engage in drug abuse to ease the emotional pain. The same happens for individuals who have suffered trauma and distress in life. Other individuals fail to accept the self and engage in substance abuse in order to fit into a peer cluster. According to the rational emotive behavior therapy framework designed by Ellis, addiction is one of the behaviors that may result from irrational thinking. Usually, an event happens in the life of the individual, and depending on the inference drawn from the event, a cognitive process results (Ellis 2007) If the individual has an unpleasant inference, it triggers a negative belief based on irrational thinking, ultimately resulting to a certain behavior. For example, an individual facing difficulties in life may easily conclude that life’s circumstances are unbearable and choose to engage in drugs. Rational emotive behavior therapy will require the individual experiencing an addiction to unearth the irrational beliefs that triggered the start of the habit. Addressing the problem from its roots through identification of the irrational beliefs causing the problem can suffice in conquering addiction (Sharf, 2011). This form of therapy will compel the addicted individual to search the causative events of their behaviors from the history. Sometimes the causative agents for the destructive emotions may appear as a creation of the self. Although it may not be easy for an addicted individual to analyze his or her history and recognize the causative event, a thorough self-examination is crucial. Such an honest and critical analysis may help the individual identify the particular event that triggered negative emotions. After identification of the causative event and the irrational beliefs that resulted, it becomes critical for the individual to get rid of such destructive belief systems. This may only be possible through the adoption of a realistic review of things. Getting rid of belief systems that an individual has held fast onto for a long time may require effort (Sharf, 2011). However, the realization that these beliefs pose barriers to insurmountable success can motivate an individual to discard such irrational and unrealistic beliefs. With effort and over time, one can manage to attain a self-defeating situation whereby the self does not apply the irrational beliefs in the cognitive process. As mentioned above, the irrational beliefs may concern the self, others or situations in life. The next step involves a replacement of the irrational beliefs with a new set of rational ones. This will involve adopting a realistic view of the self, others or life depending on the causative event. Moreover, rational thinking is a process and the individual will require time in order for him or her to create rational beliefs about some aspects in his or her life. However, with the understanding that one can always accept the self without unrealistic conditions can ease the task. Concerning others, one should realize that it is only rational to accept them irrespective of whether they meet his or her expectations. Moreover, an individual will benefits greatly from realizing that life presents numerous challenges that he or she should cope with. After adopting a rational thinking and new belief systems, an individual’s cognitive process will produce positive emotions that will lead to positive behavior. One may realize that resilience may help them cope with difficult times and choose to abandon substance abuse. Moreover, rational thinking will enable the individual to accept the uncertainties of life and have the readiness to cope with every situation successfully. Addicts who adopt a rational thinking may finally find a sound way to deal with their situations. This will foster behavioral change in the individual. Behavioral change will involve a shift from the addictive habit to a constructive way of handling problems. Ellis (2011) described this form of therapy as being effective for alcoholics. Other psychologists have described as effective for other substance abusers and even workaholics (Burke, 2006). However, it is worth mentioning that rational emotive behavior therapy efficiency mat vary from individual to individual. Some individuals may respond positively over a short duration while others may take a longer period. Moreover, some addicts may find it difficult to apply some parts of the therapy. It would also be logical to expect such variations in the application of the therapy in breaking addictions. As described above, Ellis discovered the rational emotive behavior theory that is the basis for the rational therapy in use currently. Moreover, he described the ABC framework that psychologists use today in applying the therapy in different situations. An individual must discard the former irrational beliefs that triggered a certain behavior and replace such beliefs with realistic ones. An individual who succeeds in applying the therapy in any addiction can break free from the habit. References Burke, R. J. (2006). Research companion to working time and work addiction. Cheltenham [u.a.: Edward Elgar. Ellis, A., Dryden, W., & DiGiuseppe, R. (2007). The practice of rational emotive behavior therapy. New York: Springer Publishing. Ellis, A., Joffe-Ellis, D., & American Psychological Association. (2011). Rational emotive behavior therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Sharf, R. S. (2012). Theories of psychotherapy and counseling: Concepts and cases. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Read More