Evidence Based Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Patients with drug and alcohol addiction are frequently targeted by promises of unfounded, and untested success claims. While there are many reputable treatment facilities that provide exceptional care, not all treatment options are the same.

It’s important for patients and their families to protect themselves against treatment options that are expensive and ineffective at providing results.

One of the most important questions to ask before entering into any treatment program is, “Do you provide Science and Evidence Based Treatment in your program?“

According to the New York Times, a groundbreaking report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University concluded, “the vast majority of people in need of addiction treatment do not receive anything that approximates evidence-based care.”

The report added, “Only a small fraction of individuals received treatment consistent with scientific knowledge about what works.”

Our evidence based treatment offered here in Agoura Hills, CA is a relatively new field that has spread to nursing, psychology, and most recently to the successful treatment of alcohol and drug related addictions. At its most basic level, evidence based treatments are founded on research studies.

Evidence based decisions are made after reviewing the data gathered from repeatedly testing various treatment options. The data removes the “guesswork” about what works by utilizing methods that have been proven to work over time with a variety of subjects and situations. Intuition may work in some situations but science and evidence are based on fact.

It is reported that only 10% of all U.S. drug rehab facilities utilize some form of evidence-based therapy, and only half of those have doctors on staff. At Inspire Malibu, our program is Science, Research, and Evidence based and we offer a variety of successful non 12 step therapies.

We feel this is necessary because drug and alcohol addiction is a complex illness that develops over time and compromises one’s ability to cope on a voluntary basis. Once the illness becomes compulsive, the brain loses its ability to control behavior.

At this stage, behavior therapy is necessary to overcome the stifling effects of the addiction. Successful treatment is never an easy road. It is a process that takes time and includes not only detoxification but also relapse prevention. Which is why it is so important to incorporate a science and evidence based approach supervised by a trained physician.

Non-Invasive Biological Treatment

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is FDA approved for the treatment of resistant depression, however, there are numerous studies that have shown TMS is effective in the treatment of Alcohol, Opiate, Cocaine and Nicotine Addiction.

We use TMS Therapy for addiction and co-morbid Psychiatric illnesses (TMS can be provided in the office setting by independent a licensed Psychiatrist only). Doctors only provide TMS in their offices (an additional fee will apply if not covered by insurance).

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is also a non-invasive procedure we provide, for an extra fee unless covered by insurance, that is proven to be effective in treatment of Addiction and co-morbid Psychiatric illnesses.

Evidence Based Psychosocial Treatment

Research has shown some of the most effective types of therapies for treating substance abuse include the following:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy
• Twelve Step Facilitation
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy – CBT

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is based on social learning therapies and targets two areas for substance abuse: dysfunctional thoughts and maladaptive behavior.

One of the main goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy is to identify the dysfunctional thinking and behavior and modify them through the use of appropriate coping strategies.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy – MET

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is a longer-term intervention strategy and is used for patients who have accepted to change their substance abuse for the positive. It combines cognitive techniques with therapist persuasion techniques to encourage the patient by setting goals and finding the motivation to change. MET has shown effectiveness even for patients who are not completely motivated to change.

Group Therapy

Through the use of a therapist as a guide, Group Therapy has shown to be a successful part of the treatment process. Many patients take comfort in knowing they are not alone and often model the success of other patients to help aid in their own rehabilitation.

Substance abuse often has a social attachment and this is confirmed through the success of group therapy. It is easier to relate to someone currently going through the same situation than an outsider. Publicly admitting a problem in a safe setting with others who can understand and empathize helps to avoid relapse.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy can take place in a formal setting or through periodic contact, with the goal of monitoring the patient’s status and attitude about drug use and treatment adjustment, as well as providing support and encouragement. Evidence has shown that contact with, and positive reinforcement from non-abusing family members can lead to successful outcomes.

All of the therapies mentioned here are Science and Evidence Based Treatments for drug and alcohol addiction. They have been reviewed to provide positive outcomes and have shown high success rates for a variety of patients. If you or loved one is considering treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a facility that utilizes Evidence Based Treatment.

About The Twelve Steps

As a part of along term U.S. Government clinical trial on different forms of addiction treatment, Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy was shown to be an effective aftercare tool for those recovering from substance abuse issues. A counselor works with an individual over 12 to 15 using certain principles used in 12 step step support groups.

For More Information Call Us At 1-800-444-1838