Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies for Substance Use Disorders

A variety of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). This chapter focuses on evidence-based behavioral and psychosocial interventions for the treatment of alcohol use disorder and other SUDs. Among the interventions discussed are screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT); motivational interviewing (MI); cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); and contingency management (CM). Additionally, one promising intervention for SUD, Transcending Self Therapy (TST), is spotlighted. The importance of comprehensive care is noted by the authors, as is the importance of recognizing gender differences in the selection of therapies and the need to address barriers to care for specific populations.