Therapy

Evidence-based treatment paired with a holistic approach to healing is a winning combination for addiction recovery.

Evidence-based drug addiction therapies refer to the tailored psychological approach in dealing with individuals suffering from substance misuse disorder. Evidence-based treatment treats addiction by giving you the tools to manage withdrawal, cravings, and triggers. In contrast, a holistic approach heals your mind and body to ensure a successful recovery.

These scientifically proven methods help to recover individuals and improve their thoughts and behaviors. At the same time, they’re essential in keeping people with substance misuse disorder committed to the treatment process.

The Delivery and Goals of Evidence-Based Drug Addiction Therapies

Appropriate use of evidence-based drug addiction therapies requires clinical expertise, and the American Psychological Association strongly recommends this.

That said, a clinician’s level of expertise is integral to the safe and effective delivery of psychotherapy.

Aside from the clinician’s expertise, it’s as vital to consider the history and presentation of the patient. Clinicians should also consider other factors like cultural considerations, preferences, and other medical conditions, especially coexisting mental health issues.

Furthermore, evidence-based therapy promotes and implements safe, consistent, and cost-effective treatments. At the same time, evidence-based therapies aim to enhance health and well-being while promoting accountability.

A. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychological treatment used to treat people who have depression and anxiety at the same time.

Because people with SUD commonly have co-occurring mental health illnesses, treating them concurrently rather than separately is usually best.

Dual diagnosis therapy may be integrated into your treatment plan to address a drug use issue co-occurring with mental health conditions.

This approach aims to change the individual’s negative mindset and behavioral patterns because negative thought patterns are considered fundamental sources of psychological problems.

Through this approach, people suffering from addiction and other mental disorders can adopt positive coping mechanisms to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Techniques and Effectiveness

Several successful addiction treatments exist, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) believes that behavioral therapy and counseling are critical components of the recovery process.

The delivery of CBT may include efforts that help the patient develop positive coping strategies. Therapists use a combination of approaches that may include the following:

• Identifying one’s negative thinking patterns and reassessing them
• Recounting particular issues or problems in one’s life
• Practicing new habits or behaviors that will give an individual a sense of direction or accomplishment

Furthermore, your therapist will help you adapt techniques or strategies to help combat your harmful thinking. Examples of these are:

• Journaling, which is one way to help with acknowledging one’s thoughts, moods, or triggers
• Guided discovery, where your therapist helps you expand your thinking which can help you develop new goals
• Relaxation techniques which may include breathing and muscle relaxation exercises
• Role-playing, which helps with enhancing problem-solving skills and improving communication skills, improves relationships and social interactions.

B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

The fundamental goal of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is to help patients give value to their life and acquire a sense of meaning. At the same time, this therapy aims to promote change and acceptance among persons with substance misuse disorder.

Consequently, this approach applies to individuals with self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

For those with drug use disorders, dialectical behavior therapy also strives to achieve the following goals:

• Reduce substance use
• Limit urges, cravings, and attempts of substance abuse for recovering individuals
• Increase community involvement and improve social relationships

Techniques and Effectiveness

The delivery of DBT can be through individual or one-on-one therapy, group skills training, and teleconsultation.

Teleconsultation or phone coaching is a form of additional support that can be handy when persons suffering from substance misuse disorder suddenly experience overwhelming negative emotions or self-harm tendencies.

Additionally, the effective incorporation of dialectical behavior therapy helps to recover individuals develop these four skills:

Mindfulness

This skill gives individuals a sense of awareness and acceptance, especially in acknowledging their feelings and emotions with no judgment.

Consequently, mindfulness allows people to focus on the present, become more rational, and overcome beliefs or habits that challenge mindfulness (like doubts and sleepiness).

Interpersonal Effectiveness

This skill allows an individual to communicate effectively, enforce healthy boundaries, and maintain or establish relationships.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation enables individuals to recognize and manage emotions to avoid a cascade of negative feelings. For example, feeling sad may lead to feelings of anxiousness and depression if mismanaged.

Distress Tolerance

During difficult moments like the death of a loved one or failure in the workplace or school, individuals may be subject to harmful coping mechanisms.

The distress tolerance skill helps individuals overcome challenging situations by using coping strategies that don’t involve negative actions like drug misuse or self-harm.

C. Motivational Interviewing (MI)

The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to encourage people with substance misuse disorder to abstain from using drugs.

Understanding the motive of drug abuse is critical in fostering approaches to help build motivations to change. At the same time, motivational interviewing focuses on strengthening an individual’s commitment to overcoming addiction.

Techniques and Effectiveness

Motivational interviewing occurs in two phases. First, the therapists focus on OARS in Phase I of motivational interviewing.

OARS stands for open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizing. These methods are essential to build rapport with the individual and establish a sense of trust. Moreover, it allows therapists to explore the patient’s motivations and strengths.

Second, goal setting and negotiating a course of action to help direct a person to overcome substance misuse occurs in Phase II.

During this phase, therapists will highlight advantages, optimism, and intentions for change. The therapist also boosts the individual’s confidence and desire for change in this phase.