Recovery-supportive interventions for people with substance use disorders: a scoping review

Another aspect of a recovery orientation was the need for a trusting relationship between service providers and service users. Martin et al. (33) conducted interviews with nine providers from an outpatient addiction clinic and 12 women receiving treatment for an opioid use disorder to identify influential factors in the pregnancy to postpartum transition that promote or hinder recovery. Stigma and mistrust by child welfare and healthcare providers challenged recovery and provided insight into how recovery-oriented care can be promoted for families affected by opioid use disorder. Another study on recovery from co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders explored eight peer support workers (with lived experience) behaviors and attributes (20). Three studies (17, 26, 27) foregrounded the importance of recovery-oriented policies as fundamental in delivering recovery-supportive interventions.

Skills for Trigger Management

Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment should address the needs of the whole person to be successful. Counselors may select from a menu of services that meet the specific medical, mental, social, occupational, family, and legal needs of their patients to help in their recovery. Holistic therapies play a vital role in addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery, offering a complementary approach to traditional treatment methods. Practices such as yoga integrate physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to help individuals improve flexibility, reduce physical tension, and cultivate emotional balance. Yoga also promotes a sense of unity between the mind and body, which can be incredibly empowering for those in recovery as they rebuild a healthier relationship with themselves. One of the core components of DBT is teaching clients how to manage intense emotions more effectively, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who use substances as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings.

• By addressing the root causes of addiction, CBT equips individuals with the tools needed to manage triggers and avoid relapse.
• The medications used in MAT are specifically designed to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize brain chemistry, creating a foundation for lasting recovery.
• Remember, recovery isn’t linear – you may see rapid progress in some areas while others take more time to improve.
• Lastly, and in keeping with the indications for a scoping review, we focused on understanding the potential scope of the available literature rather than assessing the quality of studies (52).
• Beyond addressing past trauma, trauma-informed therapy also teaches skills for managing emotional distress and building resilience.
• While some may question the use of tangible rewards, CM capitalizes on the brain’s reward system to create a foundation for long-term behavioral change.

Research shows that building a robust support network through psychosocial care greatly improves your chances of sustained recovery. Through structured peer support groups, you’ll connect with others who understand your journey, reducing isolation and stigma while learning essential recovery skills. Substance abuse counselors employ these effective techniques to empower individuals to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

Can Alternative Therapies Like Acupuncture or Meditation Complement Traditional Addiction Treatments?

One of the key components of aftercare is continued counseling, which may involve one-on-one therapy sessions to address ongoing triggers, challenges, and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely recognized and effective approaches in substance abuse counseling. This evidence-based technique focuses on identifying and reshaping the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use. By addressing the root causes of addiction, CBT equips individuals with the tools needed to manage triggers and avoid relapse.

• Practices like mindful breathing, body scanning, and awareness exercises enable individuals to respond to triggers or stressors with calmness rather than reactive behavior.
• Similarly, acupuncture is another valuable holistic therapy that addresses recovery on multiple levels.
• The therapy’s holistic approach addresses your mental, emotional, and physical well-being throughout the recovery process.

The core MAT components combine FDA-approved medications with extensive counseling and behavioral therapies, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction. The World Health Organization has designated buprenorphine and methadone as essential medicines for treating opioid dependence. The comprehensive approach focuses on full recovery through monitoring, support, and addressing multiple life domains.

1. Step 1: Developing a research question

To further this goal, professionals utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches when treating drug and alcohol addiction. This non-exhaustive list covers the most common methods used by rehabilitation centers and private practices nationwide. Behavioral therapies help people in drug addiction treatment modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to handle stressful situations and various triggers that might cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people remain in treatment longer.

The therapy’s holistic approach addresses your mental, emotional, and physical well-being throughout the recovery process. Your path to recovery strengthens when you understand how immediate rewards can reshape addictive behaviors, as proven through contingency management’s powerful outcomes. You’ll find that combining positive reinforcement with practical problem-solving skills creates a robust foundation for lasting change, especially when supported by family and community connections. Through evidence-based behavioral interventions, you’re able to systematically build new responses to triggers while establishing healthier patterns that support your sustained recovery journey.

Meditation complements mindfulness through focused techniques that promote relaxation and mental clarity. Guided meditations, visualization exercises, and mantra practices aid in reducing anxiety, promoting better sleep, and increasing a sense of inner peace. Over time, these meditative practices also help individuals cultivate patience and self-compassion, empowering them to handle challenges with perseverance and grace. Mindfulness encourages individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment, creating a space for self-reflection and understanding.

2. Methodological features of the studies

The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people relapse, or a return to drug use after an attempt to stop, can be part of the process, but newer treatments are designed to help with relapse prevention. When you commit to a thorough treatment plan, you’re choosing the path with the highest success rates. Combined approaches not only improve your treatment engagement but also greatly reduce relapse risks and enhance your overall recovery journey. This all-encompassing approach addresses both individual recovery needs and systemic family dynamics, creating a robust support system for sustained sobriety. Family involvement and healing are powerful catalysts in addiction recovery, reducing substance use and supporting long-term sobriety success. Sustained efforts help solidify the progress made during primary treatment, making aftercare not just a supplementary resource but an essential component treatment and recovery strategies of long-term success.

How Long Does It Typically Take to See Results From Addiction Therapy?

Stress is one of the leading contributors to relapse, so equipping individuals with stress management techniques is vital. These may include practicing regular self-care rituals, engaging in physical activity, or utilizing relaxation methods such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, relapse prevention often incorporates actionable plans for high-risk situations, such as role-playing effective responses to social pressure or planning ahead to avoid precarious environments altogether. While some may find the spiritual aspect of the 12-step approach challenging, many programs make it adaptable to individual belief systems. The emphasis on regular group involvement and self-reflection helps clients develop the tools needed to sustain their recovery over the long term. Ultimately, 12-Step Facilitation Therapy serves as both a compass and a support system, guiding individuals toward a healthier, more fulfilling life while connecting them to a community that stands by them unconditionally.

Family Therapy

Studies have demonstrated that CM can significantly improve treatment adherence, reduce relapse rates, and promote abstinence from substances. It is highly structured and measurable, allowing both the client and therapist to consistently track progress and adjust the incentives as needed. While some may question the use of tangible rewards, CM capitalizes on the brain’s reward system to create a foundation for long-term behavioral change. Over time, the external rewards become less critical as the client begins to experience the intrinsic rewards of sobriety, such as improved relationships, health, and personal fulfillment.

By incorporating MAT into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals have a higher likelihood of achieving sustained recovery, reduced relapse rates, and improved overall well-being. A central concern of professionals who work within the substance use treatment arena has been the development of effective strategies and interventions to promote recovery. Addiction recovery has been defined as “a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship” (1) (p. 222) and is the goal of services and an organizing framework (2). Psychosocial education helps you and your family members better understand addiction as a chronic health condition.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery that combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. This evidence-based practice is particularly effective for individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol dependence, addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction. The medications used in MAT are specifically designed to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize brain chemistry, creating a foundation for lasting recovery. At its core, trauma-informed therapy seeks to identify and address the underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use behaviors. By unpacking and processing these traumatic events in a safe and structured way, clients can begin to understand their patterns of behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and somatic therapies are often integrated into trauma-informed care to help clients process memories and reduce distress.

Our mission is to transform lives damaged by addiction through individualized treatment tailored to your success for lasting recovery. Here we have compiled a list of straightforward answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding treatment like how family and friends can help an addicted loved one and how effective is addiction treatment. Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area.