This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on April 24, 2015.
When it comes to treatment for addiction, one of four possible approaches (Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy or Twelve Step Facilitation, and Cannabis Therapy) is favored. Proponents of each respective method often spend more time discrediting the others than defending their own approach. However, there is no reason why the most interesting aspects of each approach, cannot be utilized to ensure the best possible outcome for the recovering addict.
Twelve Step Facilitation
One commonly held view of substance disorders is that a stressor leads to drug use. However, a stressor is usually secondary to the fact of addiction. It is a trigger, not a cause. The Twelve Step approach is helpful in encouraging an addict to recognise the fact that their addiction is beyond their control – that it cannot be kept within the limits they may desire.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT does not focus on the nature of addiction; rather, it seeks to provide the user with alternative outlets for stressors. If the Twelve Step approach seeks to avoid high risk situations, thoughts and people, CBT teaches a person how to deal with them in an effective manner. It is vital to have a number of creative skills, since each can work more or less successfully with different patients.
Motivation
Those recovering from addiction may have learnt vital coping skills and have probably heard the same lessons about how to channel (and/or avoid) frustration, in a healthy manner. However, one vital aspect many therapists forget, is motivation. Patients can benefit greatly from tapping into their own internal motivation and taking the steps that truly appeal to them. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water but you cannot make it drink; unless you help get him thirsty first.”
The use of Cannabis in Addiction Treatment
There is of course controversy over this, but studies have shown that cannabis, when used correctly and safely can be a successful mode of helping to cure addiction. THC, the main constituent chemical in cannabis has been trialled and shown to stop dependence on opiate based drugs, including heroin. A separate study for the Harm Reduction Journal showed that over half a test group of alcoholics who used cannabis to help control their withdrawal from liquor did so more successfully and safely than those who went cold turkey. In the same journal, a different study found that those people who used medical grade cannabis were less likely to go on to abuse other drugs or alcohol long term.
It is inevitable that each therapist will be more comfortable using one approach than the others. While it is acceptable to use one ‘home theory’, however, patients can benefit greatly through the integration of the most successful current models, since the greater the range of modalities, the more likely therapists are to find a perfect fit for their patients. Rejecting the use of addiction medications because they are not ‘real’ recovery, focusing on coping skills without addressing motivation, conducting dynamic psychotherapy without the context of motivation – all these theoretical blinders limit a therapist’s understanding of the phenomenon they are addressing and fail to address the true needs of patients.
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