05 scientific approaches in drug addiction

• Motivational and behavioural therapy

  Approaches to treat drug addiction
• Individualised counselling


  Important for the treatment of drug addiction
• Evidence-based approaches to drug addiction treatment

  • Several research-based components have been developed
  • Each approach is designed to address certain aspects of drug addiction and its consequences for the individual, family, and society
  • Some approaches supplement or enhance existing treatment programs, while others are comprehensive
• Behavioural therapies

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Contingency Management Interventions (CMI)
  • Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) Plus Vouchers
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
  • The Matrix Model
  • 12-Step Facilitation Therapy (SFT)
  • Family Behavioural Therapy (FBT)
  • Behavioural Therapies (BT) for Adolescents
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)


  • Developed to prevent relapse when treating problem drinking, later adapted for cocaine-addicted individuals
  • Individuals learn to identify and correct problematic behaviors
  • Explores positive and negative consequences of drug use, self-monitoring, and developing coping strategies
• Contingency Management Interventions (CMI) / Motivational Incentives


  • Giving patients tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors such as abstinence
  • Voucher-Based Reinforcement (VBR) and Prize Incentives CM
• Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) Plus Vouchers


  • Outpatient therapy for cocaine and alcohol addicts
  • Aims to maintain abstinence and reduce alcohol consumption
  • Patients receive vouchers for cocaine-negative urine samples
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

  • Counseling approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence or indecision about engaging in treatment and stopping drug use
  • Includes an initial assessment session and 2-4 individual treatment sessions
• The Matrix Model


  • Provides a framework for engaging stimulant abusers in treatment and helping them achieve abstinence
  • The therapist functions as a teacher and coach
• 12-Step Facilitation Therapy (SFT)

  • Strategy to increase the likelihood of a substance abuser becoming actively involved in 12-step self-help groups
  • Focuses on acceptance, surrender, and active involvement
• Family Behaviour Therapy (FBT)

  • Addresses substance use problems and other co-occurring problems
  • Involves the patient and at least one significant other
  • Combines behavioural contracting with contingency management
• Behavioural Therapy (BT) for Adolescents

  • Drug-abusing and addicted adolescents have unique treatment needs
  • Family involvement is a particularly important component
  • Examples: Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Family Functional Therapy (FFT)
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

  Addresses factors associated with serious antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents who abuse alcohol and other drugs
• Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)

  • Outpatient, family-based treatment for teenagers who abuse alcohol or other drugs
  • Includes individual and family sessions at various locations
• Functional Family Therapy (FFT)

  Family systems approach to reduce problem behaviours by improving communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and parenting skills