1
Treatment Interventions
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
CNL 501: Substance Use Disorders and Addictions
2
Introduction-Treatment Interventions
The American Psychiatric Association defines substance use disorders (SUD) in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) as conditions marked with
dangerous use of substances that involves strong compulsions, with symptoms including
cravings, difficulty controlling substance use, tolerance, withdrawal, and neglect of important
aspects of life like work or relationships due to substance use (2022). In 2022, 48.7 million
people aged 12 or older were diagnosed with a SUD in the past year (SAMHSA, n.d). Just as
substance misuse doesn’t affect one specific type of person, treatment approaches are not one-
size-fits-all.
, Thesis: This paper explores evidence-based interventions for treating SUDs, with a focus on
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and twelve-step facilitation (TSF). It evaluates their
effectiveness, highlights key differences, and examines how factors such as age, culture, and
personal needs influence the success of treatment for individual clients.
Empirically Researched Substance Use Disorder Treatment Interventions
Clinicians should be knowledgeable about evidence-based treatments for substance use
disorder (SUD), as these approaches allow for personalized and impactful care that have been
scientifically validated. Interventions backed by empirical research offer the highest quality care,
promoting a more effective, safe, and lasting recovery for those facing substance use disorders.
Such treatment approaches include CBT, motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused
counseling (SFC), and contingency management (CM) (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). CBT is a
psychosocial therapy based on learning principles that targets the cognitive and behavioral
factors contributing to psychological disorders. In treating SUD, CBT views substance use as a
behavior shaped by reinforcement and influenced by various factors. The therapy focuses on
raising awareness of triggers, developing coping strategies, and using behavior change
Treatment Interventions
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
CNL 501: Substance Use Disorders and Addictions
2
Introduction-Treatment Interventions
The American Psychiatric Association defines substance use disorders (SUD) in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) as conditions marked with
dangerous use of substances that involves strong compulsions, with symptoms including
cravings, difficulty controlling substance use, tolerance, withdrawal, and neglect of important
aspects of life like work or relationships due to substance use (2022). In 2022, 48.7 million
people aged 12 or older were diagnosed with a SUD in the past year (SAMHSA, n.d). Just as
substance misuse doesn’t affect one specific type of person, treatment approaches are not one-
size-fits-all.
, Thesis: This paper explores evidence-based interventions for treating SUDs, with a focus on
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and twelve-step facilitation (TSF). It evaluates their
effectiveness, highlights key differences, and examines how factors such as age, culture, and
personal needs influence the success of treatment for individual clients.
Empirically Researched Substance Use Disorder Treatment Interventions
Clinicians should be knowledgeable about evidence-based treatments for substance use
disorder (SUD), as these approaches allow for personalized and impactful care that have been
scientifically validated. Interventions backed by empirical research offer the highest quality care,
promoting a more effective, safe, and lasting recovery for those facing substance use disorders.
Such treatment approaches include CBT, motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused
counseling (SFC), and contingency management (CM) (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). CBT is a
psychosocial therapy based on learning principles that targets the cognitive and behavioral
factors contributing to psychological disorders. In treating SUD, CBT views substance use as a
behavior shaped by reinforcement and influenced by various factors. The therapy focuses on
raising awareness of triggers, developing coping strategies, and using behavior change
