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Evidence-Based Practices in Addiction Treatment

Learn about evidence-based addiction treatments that use scientifically proven therapeutic methods for effective recovery.

Finding The Right Treatment

Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when a loved one is fighting addiction. You may feel sadness, worry, blame, shame, uncertainty, and fear. This situation is tough, but you still need to find the right program and center for your loved one.

Choosing a treatment program is not as easy as picking clothes from the hanging lines and returning those that do not fit. It is about finding the one that will work for your loved one and offers the best results. Well, let’s find out what options you have.

Table of Contents

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A Multi-Tiered Approach for Effective Care

What is Evidence-Based Treatment?

EBT, or evidence-based treatment, is any treatment supported by scientific studies and proven results. Psychology uses different EBT methods to achieve the best outcomes for patients. The American Psychological Association (APA) values peer-reviewed scientific evidence-based research and combines it with a professional’s clinical experience and expertise. The APA also takes into account a person’s moral and cultural values, as well as their personal views.

The ABCT, or Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, explains that EBP has three parts.

 Tier 1– Evaluates scientific review and evidence of a particular treatment.

 Tier 2– Considers the practitioner’s clinical expertise and personal experience.

 Tier 3– Treating the patient while acknowledging personal preferences and values.

Symptoms of addiction and any other mental illness do not manifest the same way in every person. The treatment therapies and programs must show individuality. The doctor should adjust treatment to fit each person’s unique needs.

Evidence-based treatment options play an important role in behavioral health care. These options form part of a comprehensive program that benefits each individual in their unique setting.

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Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Addiction Treatment

Understanding Evidence-Based Care

Let’s put several scenarios into consideration to understand an evidence-based care approach better:

An opioid rehab center gathers recent studies on opioid use disorders. The center uses these research findings in its clinical practice. This method is known as evidence-based.

A drug treatment facility that aims for high-quality results can be seen as evidence-based. This includes past clients who stayed sober.

The EBP substance abuse states that a drug treatment program is only evidence-based if research studies back it up. It also needs to be recognized by other trusted organizations as evidence-based.

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Pharmacological & Behavioral Approaches

Types of Evidence-Based Practices

Many types of evidence-based practice (EBP) methods help with substance use disorders. Some methods support treatment programs, while others are complete on their own. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that every part of the approach influences drug abuse. It affects the family, the individual, and society.

On the other hand, evidence-based pharmacotherapies are medical treatments. They are designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people with addictions. Many hospitals use Methadone. It is a proven medication that helps reduce cravings in opioid abuse treatment.

Studies show that some effective methods encourage patients to stay sober. Evidence-based therapies help clients in their recovery. They keep clients focused on their long-term goals for sobriety.

These therapies aim to change how clients think and act about drug use. They help patients build important life skills. They also prepare them to handle difficult situations. This can lower cravings for drugs or alcohol.

Doctors often recommend treatments that use both evidence-based medicine and behavioral therapy. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) says addiction treatment can start with medication-assisted therapies. However, these medications alone are not enough for long-term sobriety. Good results come from regularly using evidence-based behavioral therapies to boost patient engagement.

Let’s look at some evidence-based psychotherapies, which include:

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a commonly used evidence-based treatment for addiction. Today, CBT can treat many substance use disorders and mental illnesses. NIDA- National Institute on Drug Abuse reports on initially implementing CBT to minimize alcohol consumption relapses.

The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences shows that CBT helps fix problems in your nervous system. It also improves how your brain handles negative emotions.

CBT helps change how a person thinks, which affects what they do in the future. How you feel and think is linked to your actions. Changing your emotions and moods can also change your behavior.

During CBT, a trained therapist tries to understand your thoughts and feelings. For example, the therapist examines what causes your drug use. They also look at how your thoughts lead to negative actions.

The therapist finds the main reasons for substance abuse. They teach you new tools and ways to cope with stress.

CBT sessions include both individual and group meetings. These sessions often have homework for patients to practice new skills. As patients learn new ways, they can spot stressors and build better stress management habits.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

High rates of drug and alcohol abuse often happen with other mental health issues, like bipolar disorder. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used to treat bipolar disorder. DBT is an evidence-based treatment that fits into a care model for people with both disorders.

Behavioral Tech says that DBT has four main key areas:

Mindfulness: Become more aware of yourself and your surrounding environment.

Distress tolerance: Be able to tolerate and accept difficult situations and emotions as they are.

Interpersonal effectiveness: Learn how to be self-reliant and assertive. This includes asking for what you need and saying “no” when necessary.

Emotional regulation: Modify emotions that you need to change.

DBT is a structured and intense short-term treatment. It includes both individual and group therapy. Therapists provide phone consultations to help manage crises. They also offer guidance and support.

First, DBT addresses life-threatening behaviors. Next, it looks at behaviors that interfere with treatment. Then, it focuses on recovery and quality-of-life behaviors. Finally, it teaches new healthy skills for healing.

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Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) helps you deal with your lack of motivation. It guides you to change your mindset.

However, this is different for addiction. People with addiction often struggle to accept their problem. They may not feel the need to change.

The American Journal of Nursing states that MI is a special kind of evidence-based treatment. It focuses on the patient. MI helps you work through your mixed feelings. It also encourages positive behavior and life changes.

This approach helps people see their harmful thoughts and actions. It allows them to make their own decisions and make needed changes.

MI is non-confrontational and nonjudgmental. MI helps you deal with things as they are. It encourages you to find motivation to improve your life. You can do this by using positive thinking.

Contingency Management

CM, or Contingency Management, mainly aims to boost motivation. In CM, practitioners give people rewards after they pass drug tests. These rewards are vouchers that can be exchanged for goods, services, or cash prizes.

NIDA published that CM can help people feel more motivated. It can also help them stay in treatment and stop using alcohol and drugs.

CM includes regular and random screenings for alcohol and drugs. People receive instant rewards for their progress. CM is often used with other types of therapy and counseling in a full addiction treatment program.

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Pharmacological Methods

Pharmacological tools like Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naloxone help treat opioid addiction. Methadone and Buprenorphine are medications that help reduce cravings. They are used to help people move away from stronger opioids, like oxycodone or heroin.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids, which helps prevent abuse. When used with Buprenorphine, Naloxone provides long-term support for addiction recovery.

Other medications are used as proven treatments for alcohol addiction.

They include:

• Disulfiram (Antabuse)

• Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

• Acamprosate (Campral)​

These drugs reduce the negative effects of alcohol. This helps people drink less. They are often used with therapy in addiction treatment programs.

Individualized Care

Evidence-Based Recovery Programs at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Evidence-based treatment is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare. That is why Rolling Hills Recovery Center caters to the needs of you or your loved ones and has several evidence-based approaches.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center uses different methods. These include group therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, individual counseling, mindfulness, and meditation. We ensure that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual in our program.

Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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