When addiction treatment specialists decide to use evidence-based treatment, they have several options to choose from. The objective of said treatment is to look closely at behavioral patterns and find ways to make adjustments. Here’s a list of the most prominent evidence-based therapy options.
Exampled by groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), TSF is a strategy designed to engage individuals with 12-step community groups. These meetings encourage fellowship-based support, accountability, guidance, structure, and routine.
A counselor provides educational sessions to help participants incorporate 12-step groups, engagement coaching, and exploration of previous experiences into their personal recovery plans. As part of the evidence-based treatment service model, all patients are encouraged to attend on-site and community 12-step meetings. The advantages of this program include:
CBT is based on the philosophy that thoughts and behaviors play a significant role in addiction. Therefore, people dealing with addiction should first understand and modify their thought patterns before they can truly change their behaviors.
CBT is a goal-oriented psychotherapy that aims to challenge your current mindset and promote positive change. It helps detect negative feelings and beliefs that contribute to unhealthy actions. People of all ages can benefit from this evidence-based therapy.Â
CBT is particularly helpful for addressing substance use disorder. It can also help manage co-occurring conditions with drug or alcohol use, such as:
MI aims to help patients explore and overcome ambivalence. The goal is to improve one’s readiness and commitment to make changes toward their recovery. During MI, a participant is asked to identify the positive aspects of sobriety. Some examples might be financial stability, improved relationships, better health, or a greater sense of purpose. By encouraging patients to concentrate on these benefits, MI can motivate them to commit to recovery and make these positives a reality.
Besides the positives, MI also prompts patients to consider the negatives of addiction, like how it affects their physical and mental health, relationships, careers, and finances. While MI can be effective for any patient, it especially helps people who haven’t fully committed to recovery.
An approach based on CBT, DBT is a type of psychotherapy geared toward those who experience intense emotions. It aims to help people accept the reality of their behaviors and change their lifestyle. DBT is beneficial for those who find it challenging to control and regulate their emotions. It can help treat and manage substance use disorder, along with a variety of co-occurring conditions:
During DBT sessions, you’ll learn to:
Interactive journaling is an evidence-based writing technique. It encourages patients to reflect on their behavioral and mental health struggles to motivate a positive change in their lives. This form of therapy uses interactive journaling booklets, guided questions, and graphic-supported text to help participants explore the emotions that influence destructive behaviors.
Professionally guided interactive journaling can be a valuable tool in helping people overcome substance use disorder. It gives patients a healthy outlet to process their thoughts and track their progress. It also lets them reflect on their current triggers and coping mechanisms, devising new strategies to confront challenging situations.
Interactive journaling can provide numerous benefits, such as:
If you’re seeking evidence-based treatment for a loved one or yourself, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) represents hundreds of addiction treatment practitioners. It has an extensive directory of licensed service providers.
Gateway Foundation is a trusted provider on this list. If you’re searching for evidence-based treatment in the Illinois area, we invite you to explore our available services.
