A Review of Treatment Approaches for Alcohol and Drug Problems

A multitude of therapeutic approaches have historically been applied to the treatment of people with alcohol or drug dependency. This article will include an overview of treatment models, while considering current best practice guidelines derived from professional literature and academic research. A critical analysis of evidence-based approaches will then be undertaken, while considering the implications for treatment within the New Zealand context.

 

Models of Addiction Treatment: Abstinence or Harm Reduction?

The two philosophical stances underpinning treatment are the disease and harm reduction models, which each have divergent views on the nature of addiction (Denning, 2004). The ‘disease model’ views alcoholism as a lifelong illness that requires complete abstinence (Washton & Zweben, 2006), and is evident in 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A) or Narcotics Anonymous (N.A). Interventions based on this model espouse the belief that clients “must be…persuaded to abstain from alcohol for the remainder of their lives” (Hester & Miller, 2003, p.4).

Therapeutic or support groups are often considered crucial to the integrated treatment of individuals with alcohol and drug problems (Connors, Donovan, & DiClemente, 2001; Kaufman, 1994). One benefit of 12-step groups is that they enhance social support, and provide strategies for coping with dependence, while promoting spiritual development. Due to difficulties in ensuring rigorous research, only a small number of randomised controlled trials have compared such groups with and other treatment approaches (Emmelkamp & Vedel, 2006).
Some New Zealand rehabilitation centres (e.g. Higher Ground, 2010) do however incorporate a 12-step philosophy into intensive treatment that includes group work, assessments, and individual counselling and case management.

In contrast to the disease model the harm reduction model proposes that people with previous alcohol problems can maintain minimal substance use and drink/drug socially in a controlled manner (Valliant, 1996, cited Emmenkamp & Vedel, 2006). Such views are based on the premise that although abstinence is necessary in some cases, addiction is treatable. Harm reduction also relates to reducing risky behaviours associated with use and is epitomised by needle exchange programmes (ADIO, 2010) and the Community Alcohol and Drug Service methadone programme (CADS, 2010).

Phases of Addiction Treatment

The phases of treatment within alcohol and drug focused therapy consist of: assessment, goal setting, treatment planning, taking action and preventing relapse (Washton & Zweben, 2006). The widely endorsed bio-psycho-social approach to assessment is commonly used as it acknowledges the multifaceted influences that contribute towards addiction (Degler, 1991; Miller, 1985; Thombs, 1994; cited in Denning, 2004). Assessment often includes gathering historical information, observing patterns of substance use and assessing the level of risk or dependency (Glidden-Tracey, 2005; Washton & Zweben, 2006).

Assessment

Assessment sessions can also serve as an opportunity to implement “brief intervention” strategies such as advice on responsible levels of use (NZGG, 2008, pp.19-20). Once the assessment stage has been completed two key treatment plan factors are for the client to stop or curtail substance use, and to ameliorate the psychological and emotional problems causing or resulting from use (Gerald, 1992).

The New Zealand Guidelines Group states that a health practitioner’s task with regards to assessment and treatment is to “identify the patient’s current state of readiness to change and act appropriately” (NZGG, 2008, pp.19-21). Assessment tools such as the ‘stages of change readiness and treatment eagerness scale’ (SOC-RATES; Miller & Tonigan, 1996, cited in Connors et al, 2001) and the ‘Stages of Change’ or trans-theoretical model devised by Prochaska and DiClemente (1986) may therefore be useful. This model outlines the stages people go through when changing addictive behaviours. It also provides a framework to consider the most suitable interventions for clients who are in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance stages (Connors et al, 2001).

Therapeutic Approach to Addiction Treatment

Approaches to working with alcohol and drug abusing clients have changed drastically over the last thirty years. Until the 1980’s the usual way of treating unmotivated or ambivalent clients was through confrontational methods, which included the intentional coordination of a crisis (Bratter, 1975, cited in Glidden-Tracey, 2005; Johnson, 1973, 1986, cited in Morgan & Litzke, 2008). Such approaches are not common today as they relate to high drop out rates and poor outcomes (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). This is verified by Stanton (2004, p.170), who found that success rates for confrontational interventions ranged from 0-36%, with the average being only 20%. Family interventions do not however have to involve confrontational interventions and couple or family treatments that consider the context of social systems have shown to be efficacious (Connors et al, 2001), and may also reduce attrition (Carrol & Oskin, 2005).

Motivational Interviewing

In line with recent evidence, researchers have advised alcohol and drug clinicians to adopt “a non-confrontational approach” (Hilarski, 2005, p.2), such as Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change  (Miller & Rollnick, 2002), which was found to be more effective in addressing alcohol abuse than confrontational counselling (Miller, Benefield & Tonigan, 1993). This widely sanctioned treatment approach integrates an empathic client-centred counselling style (e.g. Rogers, 1951) with more directive strategies in order to increase motivation and facilitate change among clients who may be ambivalent about reducing or stopping their substance use (Glidden-Tracey, 2005; Washton & Zweben, 2006).

Miller & Rollnick (1991, pp.20-28) explain that the “building blocks” of Motivational Interviewing include ‘rolling with resistance’, giving feedback, removing barriers, providing choices, practicing empathy, clarifying goals and actively helping. Developing discrepancy and eliciting change talk are also important. Other principles include being positive and reassuring, avoiding pressuring tactics and supporting self-efficacy (Miller & Rollnick, 2002; Washton & Zweben, 2006).

Research on Motivational Interviewing

Several comprehensive studies or meta-analyses have proved the efficacy of MI  (Miller, Benefield & Tonigan, 1993; Project MATCH, 1997; Stephens, Roffman & Curtin, 2000) and indicated strong empirical support for its use in improving client participation in treatment and reducing alcohol or drug use (Burke, Arkowitz & Menchola, 2003; Noonan & Moyers, 1997). Based on a systematic review of findings from 29 randomized controlled trials Dunn, DeRoo and Rivera (2001) also found that the strongest effects of Motivational Interviewing were with problem drinkers (cited in Miller & Rollnick, 2002).

With regards to its use in treating drug dependency one meta-analysis (Saunders, Wilkinson & Phillips, 1995) discovered that Motivational Interviewing was a useful adjunct to methadone treatment for opiate abusers and numerous randomised controlled trials demonstrated the feasibility of MI for other drug dependent populations including cannabis, cocaine and polydrug users (Dennis et al 2004, cited in Emmelkamp & Vedel, 2006, p.87).

While outcome studies of Motivational Interviewing have overall had very positive results there is some uncertainty about what contributes to its success (Hilarski, 2005). There are also questions about large variations in outcome results as in some studies there was no significant effect at all (e.g. Hettema, Steel & Miller, 2005). One explanation could include the clinician’s level of training and skills, which may vary across therapists and treatment centres. Additionally, among some client groups MI has not proved to be as effective. Dual diagnosis clients for example do not seem to have the same positive results (Donovan, Rosengren, Downey, Cox & Sloan, 2001). This is problematic as a vast proportion of clients seeking treatment for alcohol or drug use also have mental health issues. With such clients CBT was also found to be superior to Motivational Interviewing and 12-step approaches (Fisher & Bently, 1996; Jerrell & Ridgely, 1995).

Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic Treatment Approaches

Compared to other treatment methods psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies have received strong criticism and some authors claim there is no evidence verifying the efficacy of these approaches for treating alcohol and drug problems (Gerald, 1992; Rotgers et al, 2003). Furthermore, many underlying assumptions and techniques inherent in these approaches contradict “some basic principles that inform and guide the treatment of substance abuse” (Washton & Zweben, 2006, p.6). For example, delving into early (often traumatic) experiences and bringing unconscious material to the surface is likely to drive a client into heavier substance use as a way of coping with feelings that are overwhelming (Bender & Messner, 2003).

Despite this caution, issues of a psychodynamic nature do arise in alcohol and drug therapy including developmental and attachment issues, defences, strong transference and counter-transference, and repetition of maladaptive patterns related to past experiences (Kaufman, 1994; Washton & Zweben, 2006). Such deep exploratory work may not however be possible until the client has successfully controlled substance use and increased ego strength. Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy approaches that incorporate attachment theory (Bowlby, 1982), revised Object Relations (Cashdan, 1988; Glickauf-Hughes & Wells, 1997), Relational Psychoanalytic (Mitchell, 1988, Mitchell & Aron, 1999), or Self Psychology (Kohut, 1996, 2001; Wolf, 1988) methodologies are however becoming increasingly accepted (Rotgers et al, 2003, p.3, Flores, 2004, p.3).

Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches to Treatment

Cognitive and Behavioural approaches are also widely used with alcohol and drug using clients. In a meta-analysis of 17 studies Walters (2000) found that behavioural self control programs (training in drinking rate control, goal setting, identifying high risk situations, alternatives to alcohol use etc) were more effective than no treatment and at least as effective as abstinence based programs…at follow ups of one year or longer” (p.109). Carroll & Osken (2005) also noted that “contingency management, in which patients receive incentives or rewards for meeting specific behavioural goals has particularly strong, consistent and robust empirical support across a range of types of drug use” (p.1453).

While contingency management showed greater immediate results, patients who had received CBT had better outcomes after a one-year follow up. Several other studies have shown that CBT has “strong empirical support for use in treatment of alcohol use disorders and have been demonstrated to be effective in drug taking populations as well” (Carroll & Osken, 2005, p.1454). It may not however be feasible for all alcohol and drug clinicians to receive adequate training in order to utilise CBT with the level of expertise that would ensure results concomitant with the research findings.

Medication for Addiction Treatment?

Awareness by clinicians of medication for addiction treatment also seems important (Rotgers et al, 2003; Volpicelli, Pettinati, McLellan, & O’Brien, 2001). One such medication is Naltrexone, which is widely used alongside talking therapies as a means of suppressing alcohol cravings. Many studies found that clients who were randomly assigned to Naltrexone had significantly fewer relapses than those in the placebo groups (eg. O’Malley et al, 1996; Rohsenow et al, 2000). From my own clinical experience I have found this medication to be useful in assisting my clients meet their goals of minimal use or abstinence. The problem with such pharmacological treatments however is compliance, as some clients may stop taking the medication if they intend to drink. While Benzodiazepines are often used for Alcohol withdrawal and have a place in short term treatment they are highly addiction and can lead to dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.

 An Integrated Approach to Addiction Treatment

An integrated approach to working with clients is recommended that considers multiple contributing factors including emotional, biological, behavioural, cognitive, and social dimensions (Glidden-Tracey, 2005). Some authors also suggest integrating various therapeutic approaches. Kaufman (1994) and Galanter (1993) for example suggest CBT and Motivational Interviewing at earlier stages followed by long-term psychodynamic work once sobriety is stabilized (cited in Rotgers et al, 2003, p.89). Washton & Zweben (2006) also describe how they draw on Motivational Interviewing, CBT and Psychodynamic approaches. Having used such an approach myself over many years as an Alcohol and Drug Clinician I find that this is very helpful and gives the client initial skills and strategies so that they can stabilise before addressing the ‘underlying issues’ that drives the drinking or drug taking.

Such ‘theoretical integrationism’ could make psychodynamic approaches more applicable for alcohol and drug treatment within the New Zealand health system. These syncretistic approaches seek to overcome the inadequacies and partiality of single theories through combining treatment methods from multiple modalities into a new coherent system (Norcross, 2005). From my own practice this is proved to be useful and allows me to integrate my personal approach with the requirements of the agencies where I have worked.

The research backing such combined approaches includes McKee et al (2007, cited NZGG, 2008) who compared CBT with CBT enhanced by an initial session of MI for cocaine using clients. Although both treatments had similar results, clients who received the Motivational Interviewing session in addition to CBT had higher motivation to change and “were more engaged”, attended more sessions during treatment and “reported more hope for abstinence and expected success” (NZGG, 2008, p.19). Another study found that while treatment results between CBT and MI were similar, clients receiving Motivational Interviewing achieved similar results but in fewer sessions than those having CBT alone (Burke, Arkowitz & Menchola, 2003, p.857).

Research Outlining Best Practice Approaches to Treatment

In order to evaluate treatment approaches Miller, Wilbourne, and Hetema (2003, cited in Hester & Miller, 2002) identified a total of 381 clinical trials and ranked the treatment approaches based on effectiveness and outcome. Top ranking treatments included brief intervention (1st), motivational enhancement (2nd) with other treatments including cognitive therapy (13th), 12-step facilitation (37th). Insight and exploratory psychotherapies accumulated one of the lowest scores of any of the treatment modalities, however this could be due to psychotherapists not adjusting their interventions to meet the needs of the clients at a certain stage of therapy.

One of the largest research studies designed to evaluate treatment approaches for alcohol abuse called Project MATCH (Matching Alcoholism Treatments to Client Heterogeneity; Project Match research group, 1977, cited Connors et al, 2001). In this study the 12 step facilitation (TSF) approach was compared to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and CBT. Results showed that treatment by TSF was “more or less equally effective as motivational enhancement and CBT (Project MATCH research Group, 1997, 1998, cited in Connors et al, 2001, p.105). It was however found that 12-step approaches are less effective if clients who are angry or resistant (MATCH research group, 1998 cited in NZGG, 2008). On the other hand if the client’s family and friends support drinking TSF was better than CBT or MET (Longabaugh, Wiltz, Zweben, & Stout, 1998; Project Match research group, 1998).

Therapist-Client Relationship the Most Crucial Success Factor

Despite research attempting to prove the superiority of certain therapeutic modalities, numerous meta-analyses (e.g. Hovrath & Symond, 1991; Martin, Garske & Davis, 2000) have shown that the therapist-client relationship and the therapist’s attitude towards their client are the most significant variables effecting treatment outcome, irrespective of the theoretical approach or treatment used. Such findings are consistent with evidence linking ‘working alliance’ to improved outcomes in general psychotherapy literature (Moyers, Miller & Hendrickson, 2005). Washton & Zweben (2006) add that while numerous approaches have been proposed for alcohol and drug treatment, underlying any of these methodologies are the principles of starting where the patient is, ‘doing what works’ and most importantly ‘doing no harm’.

Evidence Based Addiction Treatment?

As has been shown, health professionals within the alcohol and drug sector are currently able to access a vast amount of literature and utilise research findings and best-practice guidelines to direct their work (Rotgers, Mortensen, Waters, 2003). Such informed therapeutic work is referred to as Evidence Based Practice (EBP), which emphasises the application of empirically based treatments within clinical settings while considering client values and clinical acumen (Chatterjee, Poddar & Ameen, 2005). One aim of EBP is to eradicate harmful treatment and increase the use of helpful methods.

The utilisation of such effective approaches is of particular importance for working with substance using clients, who are often ambivalent about treatment. Unfortunately however, evidence-based treatment practices are still not widely used by alcohol and drug clinicians who infrequently incorporate current research findings into their work practice (Fals-Stewart & Birchler, 2002; Foreman, Bovasso & Woody, 2001; McGovern, Fox, Xie & Drake, 2004, cited in Emmelkamp & Vedel, 2006).

With regards to the therapeutic approaches classed as ‘not evidence-based’ it could be argued that this labelling may not be due to ineffectiveness, but rather to a lack of empirical research. This lack may in turn derive from the difficulty in measuring gradual but long-lasting changes in a persons’ inner world, sense of self or emotions (which are the goals of less evidence based approaches such as the psychodynamic approach), compared to treatment approaches that are more short-term and behaviourally based and can therefore be more easily measured.

Issues of Cultural Sensitivity in a New Zealand Context

Another consideration regarding Evidence-based treatment approaches for alcohol and drug issues is whether these approaches are culturally sensitive to Maori and Pacific Island clients. Just because certain modalities have been validated through international research trials does not necessarily mean that they will be effective in the distinctive multi-cultural environment of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Mason Durie (1999) put forward a culturally sensitive approach to counselling and therapy that assumes mental and emotional health problems derive from or are exacerbated by an insecure sense of self and problematic interpersonal relations. With this in mind it seems imperative that Maori and Pacific peoples are offered alcohol and drug treatment that acknowledges their own ethnic and cultural understandings. This need has been addressed within CADS by means of Pacific (Tupu) and Maori (Te Atea Marino) services.

Conclusion

In conclusion it has been shown that understandings and approaches aimed at addressing addiction continue to advance over time. The complexities of working with clients with alcohol and drug problems means that generic counselling and therapy methods may not be effectual, or may need to be adapted to work with this client group. Consideration of the research regarding evidence based treatment of alcohol and drug issues has led me to consider how these finding will influence my own clinical practice as a psychotherapist and drug and alcohol counsellor. I believe it is essential to tailor evidence-based treatment approaches to clients’ specific circumstances. I do however tend to agree with Glidden-Tracey (2005, p.6) who state that therapy can make an impact and assist clients with drug and alcohol problems insofar as the client may “actualise the potential for a meaningful human interaction to occur”.

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Article posted 8 January 2012 (written 2010, revised 2011)