Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a Depression/Alcohol Use Disorder Group: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) depression group was integrated into the treatment of four participants in an alcohol use disorder treatment setting. Semistructured interviews with the participants were subjected to interpretative phenomological analysis to identify relevant themes. Benefits from the group experience were reported as peer support, change of thinking patterns, increased levels of confidence, and of self-efficacy. This study suggests that depression management, especially in a group format, should be offered more frequently as an integrated part of alcohol treatment due to the benefits experienced by the participants.