Evidenced-Based Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse is the inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM-IV) classifies substance use disorders, providing a description of their symptoms. There are many schools of thought about how to treat substance abuse. Evidence-based treatments have scientific data to support them. Various methodologies have been developed depending on the population being treated and the substance being abused.

Getting Started

• Select one evidence-based approach to treat substance abuse. In other words, you will choose one methodology, which has scientific research and documentation behind it, and implement it. You will want to choose appropriately for who you are treating and what condition you are treating.

Treating Adolescents

• Choose a methodology to treat adolescents. There is an outpatient program, which is aimed at 12- to 22-year-olds, called the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). The idea behind this approach is to substitute activities and behaviors that foster drug or alcohol use with positive alternatives. Teens meeting DSM-IV diagnoses for substance use disorders would be candidates for this type of treatment.

Treating Couples

• If the client is in a committed relationship, it may be helpful to select a methodology for couples. Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (BCT) is another evidence-based method---one that focuses on the couple as a unit. BCT incorporates a sobriety contract between the clinician and the couple. The therapist works with the individual struggling with alcoholism/drug abuse and his partner.

Treating Marijuana Dependence

• Choose this method of evidence-based treatment for individuals specifically needing help with marijuana usage. Brief Marijuana Dependence Counseling (BMDC) is designed for adults meeting the DSM-IV diagnosis of cannabis dependence. This 12-week protocol aims to reduce marijuana use through client-centered counseling strategies.