Substance Abuse

McHugh, Kathryn R., Bridget A. Hearon, and Michael W. Otto. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 33, Issue 3 (September 2010): 511-525.

Correspondence Address:
Department of Psychology, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rkmchugh@bu.edu

Abstract
“Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders has shown efficacy as a monotherapy and as part of combination treatment strategies. This article provides a review of the evidence supporting the use of CBT, clinical elements of its application, novel treatment strategies for improving treatment response, and dissemination efforts. Although CBT for substance abuse is characterized by heterogeneous treatment elements such as operant learning strategies, cognitive and motivational elements, and skills-building interventions, across protocols several core elements emerge that focus on overcoming the powerfully reinforcing effects of psychoactive substances. These elements, and support for their efficacy, are discussed.”

Simpson, D.D., & Joe, G.W. (2004). A longitudinal evaluation of treatment engagement and recovery stages. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 27, 89-97.

Correspondence Address:
D. Dwayne Simpson - ibr@tcu.edu

Abstract
Recent methodological advancements for structural equation modeling were used to test a comprehensive version of the TCU Treatment Model, especially for addressing the hypothesized sequential relationships of early engagement components (participation and therapeutic relationship) and early recovery (psychosocial and behavioral changes) that contribute to retention and post-treatment recovery. Relationships among pretreatment patient motivation, treatment process elements, a cognitive-based treatment strategy, retention, and drug use outcomes were estimated using intake, during treatment, and 1-year follow-up data for 711 patients in outpatient methadone treatment. Hypothesized sequential elements representing treatment process and patient functioning were supported, and relationships between these components were estimated also as odds ratios as an aid for translating the findings and increasing their clinical usefulness to treatment settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

Toneatto, T. (2005). Cognitive versus behavioral treatment of concurrent alcohol dependence and agoraphobia: A pilot study. Addictive Behaviors, 30, 115-125.

Correspondence Address:
Tony Toneatto, Department of Clinical Research, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell St., Toronto, ON, Canada, tony_toneatto@camh.net.

Abstract
With the growing awareness of the prevalence of anxiety disorders among alcohol abusers there is a need for effective cognitive-behavioral treatments (CBTs). This study is a pilot investigation comparing two treatments for concurrent alcohol dependence and panic disorder with agoraphobia. A 10-session behavioral treatment (BT), consisting of five sessions treating alcohol dependence and five sessions treating panic disorder with agoraphobia, was compared to a 10-session cognitive treatment (CT) that addressed the dysfunctional cognitions mediating the alcohol problem and anxiety symptoms. There were no group differences in frequency or quantity of alcohol consumption or in anxiety symptoms post-treatment or at a 1-year follow-up in a sample of 14 subjects who completed the study. Both groups showed within-group improvements on measures of both alcohol and anxiety symptomatology. Approximately one-third of the subjects made clinically relevant gains on both alcohol and anxiety symptoms. A brief BT for concurrent alcohol dependence and agoraphobia appears encouraging. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved)