Many people who are struggling with addiction or have a family member who is struggling want to choose from addiction treatment programs that are more likely to work. In this case, evidence-based treatment or scientifically sound programs are the programs that are going to likely lead an individual to success.
What is Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment?
Evidence-based practices make the decision to follow specific actions, based on previously observed effects. When a program is based on results that previous users also had success with, then this is evidence-based. An example is a 12-step program. 12-step programs are based on evidence that people have also succeeded in following these programs.
What are the Differences Between Evidence and Research-based Treatment?
One of the confusing parts about finding an evidence-based program is the use of the language. There are slight distinctions in these terms that can make a difference in the way that the treatment is done. While evidence-based is a program that is based on evidence that this has worked before for participants, research-based is a bit different. Research-based means that someone has seen a particular outcome, then formulated, tested, and measured the results of a study to test where the outcome is predictable.
How Does This Apply to Drug Addiction Treatment?
Experts in drug addiction treatment look for a research-based treatment that is from a scientifically sound process. Research has determined that addiction is chronic in nature and is a disorder of the brain. Research has also shown that even though addiction can be treated, it’s a condition that must always be managed. Research-based treatment is most likely to result in long-term recovery.
Different Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment Types
When a center is using evidence-based addiction treatment, then it’s using some of the most proven techniques that are designed to help with addiction.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
MET stands for motivational enhancement therapy. This psychotherapy can help patients connect themselves in their treatment and motivate them to do the work that is necessary, in order to have a positive recovery. One aspect of this therapy includes a therapist who engages in discussions with the patient in an effort to bring out some self-motivation statements that can be used through the sessions. The therapists want to encourage motivation for the patient to use throughout treatment and any future challenges he or she may face.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is one of the most relied upon therapies. The basis is that there is a connection between how people learn and poor behaviors. This therapy allows patients to recognize negative behaviors and work on improving them with the use of learned skills. While this specific form of therapy usually only lasts for a few weeks, many studies show that once these skills are developed, they stay with the patient.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitizing and reprocessing. This type of therapy can help patients who are dealing with the impacts and effects of trauma. Studies show that when patients are partly distracted when being asked about trauma, they are better able to get into certain aspects of the trauma. This allows for more thorough care. EMDR works to give that distraction by having a therapist move an object or light while asking patients to follow the object or light with their eyes. There is still a lot to uncover why and how this treatment is so effective, but it does still remain a relied upon treatment.
12-Step Programs + Recovery Support Groups
The 12-step program is one of the most popular evidence-based addiction treatments. The 12 steps function around different core values, including active involvement in the meetings, acceptance, and surrender. When patients do these steps, they can address issues that have been leading to their addiction, as well as get some insight from others.
Medication-Assisted Therapy
Addiction treatment is not all about therapies, but medications are also evidence-based treatments. Those who are in recovery for opioid addiction can get help from methadone or buprenorphine. There are also medications such as disulfiram that work similarly to those for opioids but are used to treat alcohol addiction. Medications can be a very valuable evidence-based treatment.
Group Therapy
Individuals can take comfort in knowing they aren’t alone, and group therapy helps with this. There is a social aspect of substance abuse and it can be easier to relate to someone going through the same situation.
Get Help Today with Evidence-Based Treatment at Multi Concept Recovery in Burbank
Evidence-based treatment programs use techniques and therapies that work and can lead to sustained recovery. Here at Multi Concept Recovery we offer a variety of treatment methods that work, so you don’t have to continue the cycle of addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.
