You need the right kind of therapy if you’re struggling with substance abuse. Many drugs and alcohol treatment centers around the country use a variety of methods, but not all of them are evidence-based. Consider the evidence-based treatment that has been proven successful by many before you. You won’t lose any more time to addiction. You should talk to your doctor or a treatment center about what kind of evidence-based therapy works best for you.
As an example, one effective method is contingency management, which uses rewards to motivate you to stay in treatment and stay drug-free. Whatever kind of therapy you choose, make sure you stick with it. You can recover from substance abuse and lead a healthy, productive life if you get the right help.
What is Evidence-Based Therapy?
Research-based treatment refers to any method of helping people recover from substance abuse that has been proven to be effective by scientific research. Research-based treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, and outdoor therapy. Quality rehab centers will also explore the possibility of dual diagnosis. When a person suffers from both addiction and a mental health condition at the same time, they are said to have a dual diagnosis. A patient who treats both conditions have a lower chance of relapsing.
A specialist can treat these conditions. To find an evidence-based treatment center, you need to find a facility that uses methods that have been proven effective for others in similar situations. These treatments have been successful in the past for other patients. A treatment center that uses methods not proven to be effective is in stark contrast. While there’s no guarantee you’ll have the same success as other patients, evidence-based treatment centers give you the best chance of success.
How Successful Treatment Leads to Research
When a patient is successfully treated for drug addiction, and the treatment methods are effective, there is evidence that explains how and why the treatment worked. If an opioid addict may have responded particularly well to a certain medication or therapeutic approach, their treatment plan may be replicated with new patients.
Since an addiction specialist who has previously used this treatment method with success now has a basis of evidence to support their claims, they believe that a new client struggling with the same type of addiction may also find it effective. In addition to testing the treatment on new patients, the new method will also be evaluated in numerous studies. There is hope for those suffering from opioid addiction if it continues to work.
Accounting for Individual Differences
Even if a treatment works well for many people, it may not work for everyone. Thus, evidence-based treatments are probabilistic rather than standardized. Addiction treatment is most effective when it is tailored to each individual. That means considering not only the substance they’re addicted to but also their personal history and experiences. A person who has been addicted to alcohol for a long time may need a different approach than someone who is just starting to use opiates. Similarly, someone with strained relationships or traumatic experiences will likely have unique needs than someone with a stable, supportive family. Counselors can create a treatment plan that has the best chance of success when understanding the unique needs of each client.
How Researchers Evaluate Treatment Efficacy
Researchers consider many factors when evaluating treatment effectiveness. Sobriety, or complete cessation of substance abuse, is the most crucial factor. In addition, any improvements in family relationships, work problems, and other personal issues are considered. Effective rehab treatment tends to improve over time. Unfortunately, even evidence-based treatment is not an exact science. However, there tends to be a higher correlation between reduced drug use and success with this approach than with a therapeutic approach that has not shown any evidence of success. We can help if you’re looking for a rehab program that relies on evidence-based practices. Call us at 833-610-1174 for help right now.