The effectiveness of psychosocial evidenced-based behavioral interventions
for substance and non-substance related disorders are comparable to their effectiveness
for other psychiatric disorders . Cognitive behavioral therapy addresses the negative
and dysfunctional thoughts and emotions related to these disorders and their reinforcing
effects. This also helps develop cognitive skills to deal with cue driven craving leading
to reengagement in addictive behaviors. Contingency management uses tangible
rewards to support addiction free life style evidenced by negative drug screen
participation in individual and group therapy. Behavioral self-control promotes goal
setting and self-monitoring for harm reduction. Self-help 12-step programs promote
acceptance, surrender to a higher power and self-governance through utilization of
support from AA fellowship community. Motivational enhancement therapy is to help
individuals to move higher on stages of change and to promote self-efficacy. Solutionbased
therapy helps patients find solutions while reinforcing their successes in solving
those problems. All these therapies with or without pharmacotherapy have value in
achieving addiction free life style.
Keywords: AA, Behavioral self-control training (BSCT), CA, Cognitive-
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency management (CM), GA, Motivational
Enhancement Therapy (MET), NA, Relapse Prevention (RP), Voucher-based
reinforcement (VBR).
