Getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can be life-changing, and for many people, it means the difference between life and death. That’s why it’s so important to choose a highly rated and reputable addiction treatment center.
Some addiction treatment centers use non-medical or alternative approaches toward recovery, and although these approaches work for some people, there is little clinical evidence or proof that these approaches are effective in the long term. Researchers have spent decades trying to treat addiction and alcoholism successfully, so there are many studies demonstrating effective treatments. It’s important to choose a rehab center that uses treatments that are clinically driven and time-tested.
Evidence-based treatment, also known as evidence-based practice (EBP), is an approach that uses therapies and other treatments that have been proven effective, both in the provider’s personal experience and long-term studies. Most importantly, evidence-based practices must consider the patient’s unique needs.
What is Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment?
Evidence-based addiction treatment is substance abuse treatment that is founded on the concept of using individualized evidence-based practices. In order for a practice to be evidence-based, it must meet all three of the following:
- Treatment is based on the professional’s clinical expertise
- Treatments are proven to be high-quality based on evidence and external research
- Treatment takes into account the client’s values, interests, beliefs, experiences, culture, religion, and medical necessity
There are two main types of evidence-based practices used in addiction treatment: evidence-based pharmacotherapies and evidence-based psychotherapies.
Examples of evidence-based psychotherapies in addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Family Behavior Therapy (FBT)
- The Matrix Model
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- 12-Step Facilitation
Evidence-based pharmacotherapy, on the other hand, refers to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an integrated treatment approach combining the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling. For example, Suboxone treatment and Vivitrol treatment are both considered evidence-based pharmacotherapies.
How Do You Know if a Drug Rehab Center is Evidence-Based?
Not every addiction treatment provider uses evidence-based practices. To find out if the rehab center you are interested in provides evidence-based addiction treatment, you can ask them the following questions:
- What therapies do you use?
- Do you use clinically-supported treatments?
- What are your success rates and how do you measure them?
- When is the last time you updated your treatment strategy?
- What is the research your practices are based on?
- Does each patient receive their own individualized treatment plan?
Non-evidence-based rehab centers may disguise the fact that their practices aren’t evidence-based by using buzzwords like “wellness-focused,” “non-medicinal,” or “alternative approaches.” While alternative therapies and treatments can be effective, and many do benefit the recovery process, they do not have as much scientific backing as evidence-based practices do.
Why is Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Treatment the Best Approach to Recovery?
Treatments that are scientifically sound have been studied, analyzed, peer-reviewed, and proven effective. In order to be proven effective, these practices must be compared to experimental controls to verify their efficacy. They are studied over long periods of time using a rigorous and systematic process.
On another note, when you’re seeking help for addiction, you want to receive the best possible care. You want to be sure that the rehab center you choose will place you on the right path by providing you with the skills and resources you need to stay sober.
Research shows that people are more likely to achieve long-term recovery if they learn how to manage their addiction through behavioral therapies and post-treatment strategies that have been proven effective in a clinical setting. As a result, the best option for you is to choose an addiction treatment center that uses proven, evidence-based practices.
Find Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts Today
Our approach at Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is firmly grounded in the philosophy that life choices and the skills to influence those choices can break the cycle of addiction and return people to a life of purpose. We offer a person-centered program that fully recognizes and adheres to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) newly established definition that recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Our clinical assessment is predicated on the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) placement criteria, the most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, and transfer/discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Our approach and assessment, combined with our application of evidence-based therapies, is why our successful completion rate is near twice the national average. Needless to say, when you choose Woburn Wellness, your recovery is in the right hands.
Don’t wait any longer to get the care you deserve. Call now to speak with one of our dedicated admissions coordinators.
For Confidential Help Call (781) 484-0195
