Evidence-Based Treatment

In the field of addiction treatment, the most effective treatment approaches are usually those that are evidenced-based. Evidence-based treatments are rooted in peer-reviewed scientific evidence, and are exactly what the name implies – based in evidence. This means that these treatments have been utilized and have proven to work.

When it comes to addiction and the mental health issues that are often associated with it, evidence-based treatment is incredibly beneficial for those who are looking to address these issues head-on. Many addiction treatment facilities, behavioral health hospitals, and dual diagnosis programs rely on evidence-based treatment to help foster growth and positive change in their clients.

Our Stuart Evidence-Based Treatment Programs

A Stuart evidence-based treatment program can include several different pharmacological and behavioral treatments that have proven to be effective in the treatment of addiction and/or mental health conditions. This kind of treatment program will likely include both pharmacological and behavioral evidence-based treatments so that the client can benefit from a comprehensive approach to their recovery.

Pharmacological Evidence-Based Treatments

Including the use of medications into an individual’s treatment plan can be extremely effective, and in some cases, necessary. For example, those who are addicted to opioids and opiates such as prescription painkillers, codeine, and heroin are often prescribed methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone when in treatment. Each one of these medications, which are capable of decreasing the severity of painful withdrawal symptoms and curbing drug cravings, are evidence-based in that they have proven to work when administered appropriately.

Other evidence-based treatments that include a pharmacological element are used for those who are receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone, which is also used to treat opioid addiction, is one of the most commonly used medications for treating alcohol use disorder. It helps to minimize cravings for alcohol, and comes in either tablet form or a once monthly injection. Acamprosate is also another evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder, as it works to prevent severe protracted withdrawal. And, disulfiram, commonly known as Antabuse, causes physical unrest including nausea and heart palpitations when an individual tries to drink again.

Each one of these medications is backed by science and evidence, however they do not treat the entire problem. Instead, it often takes a combined approach that includes both pharmacological and behavioral treatments.

Behavioral Evidence-Based Treatments

Stuart evidence-based treatment also include behavioral therapies designed to treat the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health concerns. When an individual participates in evidence-based treatments like these, he or she can begin to heal from within and start developing new, healthy ways of functioning in his or her life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is, by far, the most common form of evidence-based treatment there is. Used for a number of psychological purposes, cognitive behavioral therapy can be found in any addiction treatment center in the country. This particular type of therapy shows individuals how to identify negative behaviors and adjust them through the use of several different positive skills. For example, an individual may identify drinking as a negative behavior, so as a response, he or she establishes certain skills to cope with temptations to use.

Contingency Management

Contingency management is an evidence-based treatment that utilizes tangible items as rewards for displaying positive behaviors, such as staying sober for 30 full days. Some Stuart evidence-based treatment programs will utilize voucher-based reinforcement. The most common use of VBR is to give clients a voucher each time he or she passes a urine test. As he or she collects vouchers, he or she can trade them in for other items, such as gift cards.

Prize incentive contingency management works in the exact same way that voucher-based reinforcement does, only instead of vouchers, clients are given opportunities to win cash. For instance, every time an individual passes a drug test, he or she gets to draw from a bowl in hopes of winning a prize valued up to $100.

Other evidence-based treatments include motivational enhancement therapy, the Matrix Model, 12-Step Facilitation Therapy, and family behavioral therapy.

Benefits Of Our Stuart Evidence-Based Treatment

Each type of evidence-based treatment can produce several of its own benefits for an individual. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone end his or her compulsive desire to abuse drugs or alcohol. Methadone treatment can help someone detoxing from opioids stick it out and complete the detox process without relapsing. And, contingency management can help someone who is addicted to cocaine learn how to find reward in things outside of cocaine abuse.

However, the overarching benefits of evidence-based treatment can positively impact everyone. For starters, each one of these treatments has already been proven to be effective, making it much easier to trust the process. Evidence-based treatments are often used in conjunction with one another, which helps treat the entire problem, rather than just a small part of it. And, these treatments have the potential to help all individuals go from struggling with a certain type of condition to thriving in a healthy, happy life.

Get Help Today At Harmony Treatment And Wellness Center's Stuart Evidence-Based Treatment Program

If you are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, or are experiencing a mental health issues, getting help is the best way to start recovering. You do not need to continue to live in distress, as there are options like evidence-based treatment to help you begin living happily in your recovery.

Do not wait any more. Contact us right now to learn more about how a Stuart evidence-based treatment program can help you.

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