Counseling and other behavioral therapies are critical components of virtually all effective treatments for alcohol and other drug abuse. Behavioral treatments help patients engage in the treatment process. Counselors help patients learn how to modify their attitudes and behaviors related to addiction and increase healthy life skills. They will learn ways to avoid using drugs and alcohol and prevent relapse. Therapy can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help patients stay in treatment longer.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – seeks to help patients recognize, avoid and cope with high risk situations in which patients are most likely to abuse substances.
Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) – is a family based approach addressing a range of influences on adolescent substance abuse patterns
Motivational Incentives - uses positive reinforcement of incentives to encourage abstinence
Motivational Interviewing – is a non-judgmental and non-confrontational approach capitalizing on the readiness of individuals to change their behavior and enter treatment
Mid-Atlantic ATTC’s Center of Excellence in Motivational Interviewing - Motivational resources for researchers, clinicians, and trainers
Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency (MIA-STEP) - Tools for clinical supervisors to help counselors improve Motivational Interviewing skills. Produced by the NIDA/SAMHSA-ATTC Motivational Interviewing Blending Team, 2006.
