When it comes to treating the disease of addiction, there are many different treatment approaches and therapies to consider. Everyone may have their own opinion on what types and methods of treatment may work best to achieve lasting recovery. While many other diseases may have a universally agreed-upon treatment, addiction differs in that there are multiple approaches that can be utilized in the attempt to get well. However, one thing that is for certain is that an approach to treatment that is individualized according to a patient’s specific needs, type of addiction, and medical history will offer the best chance for treatment success. This type of treatment is generally referred to as evidence-based treatment.

What is Evidence-Based Treatment?

According to an article posted by The BMJ in the National Institutes on Health, evidence-based medicine “means integrating individual clinical medical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research”. In other words, it’s when medical professionals utilize what they’ve learned throughout their studies and medical practice experience. And apply these learnings to accurately diagnose patients so they may receive compassionate, specific care according to a patient’s exact predilections, needs, and experiences. Furthermore, it means to include knowledge of past and recent research, data, and findings from clinical trials and experts within the field into medical practice. So, to paraphrase, evidence-based medicine is the use of scientifically proven practices according to a patient’s specifications.

All in all, the biggest influential aspect of evidence-based practice is to offer treatment based on scientifically proven information. For example, an evidence-based practice may offer a specific therapy that was proven effective with low relapse rates during clinical trials.

Specific Types of Evidence-Based Treatment Methods Used for Addiction Recovery

According to evidence brought about by scientific trials, we know which methods of evidence-based treatments are the most effective to treat individuals living with addiction. Some of the most commonly used evidence-based therapies in addiction treatment include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy aims to identify negative thought patterns that result in self-harming behaviors. And, to develop specific coping mechanisms to change obstructive thought patterns, and, in turn, unfavorable behavior.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: A specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT aims to help individuals who struggle to manage the regulation of emotions. So, it works to identify healthy and unhealthy emotions as well as develop coping and mindfulness skills to address issues regarding emotions and their regulation.

Family Therapy/Education: Scientific research has proven that individuals who have families that invest in the treatment process are more likely to continue with treatment efforts and obtain lasting sobriety. So, family therapy is an evidence-based method that involves providing emotional outlets and education to the family of addicted individuals so they may also develop helpful coping skills in recovery.

12 Step Facilitation: Research proves that individuals who attend 12-step meetings have a 50% success rate. 12 step facilitation is a group therapy setting in which individuals share their addiction experience, receive support from peers, and surrender the thought that sobriety is in their control by accepting a higher power.

What to Look for in an Evidence-Based Treatment Center

If choosing an addiction treatment facility that offers evidence-based therapies is important to you, there are things you can look for to determine whether or not it’s the right place for you or a loved one. Firstly, ask the facility about the evidence-based therapies they offer and the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these programs. Secondly, ask the facility if it’s important to them that evidence-based therapies are offered to patients based on specific needs and desires for treatment. And, finally, make sure the treatment facility offers clinical addiction experts who have experience offering specific treatment modalities modeled after scientific research and evidence.

If you’re looking for a treatment facility that utilizes evidence-based therapies according to personal patient needs and requests, consider Wellness Retreat Recovery Center. Here, we know that no person seeking help for an addiction is the same as the next. So, we make it our goal to come up with personalized treatment approaches aimed at helping individuals address specific needs during their time with us. This includes the use of evidence-based therapies! To learn more about our program and how we can tailor our treatment to meet your specific needs, contact us today.