What is CBT4CBT?

CBT4CBT teaches cognitive and behavioral skills that can help people gain control over their use of drugs or alcohol.

These include skills like:

  • Recognizing and changing patterns of use

  • Coping with craving and urges to use drugs or drink

  • Challenging and changing negative thoughts

  • Improving decision making skills

  • Learning how to say NO effectively

  • Improving problem-solving skills

Why CBT4CBT?

There are a lot of apps and programs out there—CBT4CBT is different because it has been tested and validated in more randomized clinical trials than any other program for substance use disorders.

Over 8 clinical trials show:

  • CBT4CBT is more effective in reducing drug or alcohol use than standard substance use treatment

  • CBT has lasting effects because people who learn CBT4CBT skills continue to benefit from them after they leave treatment

How does CBT4CBT work?

CBT4CBT is a self-guided web-based program that uses movies and interactive exercises to teach the skills described above.

There are 7 topics, or lessons; each takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can work at whatever pace you like.

All you have to do is press a button and the program guides you through the skills.

CBT4CBT has been demonstrated to be effective and durable in over eight independent randomized clinical trials.

Go to Evidence to see a slide show of the trials and what the data indicate.
If you are a healthcare professional interested in providing CBT4CBT to your patients, please go to the Providers section.
If you are an individual seeking help for a drug or alcohol problem, please go to the Patients section.

Who developed CBT4CBT?

CBT4CBT was developed by a team of researchers and clinicians at Yale University led by Kathleen Carroll through a series of randomized clinical trials that established evidence and effectiveness. Support for the development and evaluation of CBT4CBT has been provided by a series of grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Available versions  
CBT4CBT- Substance use disordersEnglishSpanish
CBT4CBT- Alcohol use disorderEnglishSpanish*
CBT4CBT- BuprenorphineEnglish

*Indicates currently available for research only