Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are designed to help patients change their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. They give patients the ability to handle stressful situations and triggers, and can increase the effectiveness of medications.

Select each card below to learn more about behavioral therapies.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Helps patients recognize the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This therapy helps patients avoid or handle situations where they are most likely to use drugs.

Contingency management

Uses positive reinforcement: rewards for remaining drugfree, attending counseling sessions, or taking treatment medications as prescribed.

Motivational enhancement therapy

Uses strategies that take advantage of a person’s readiness to change behavior and enter treatment.

Family therapy

Helps people, including their families, address drug-use patterns and improve family functioning.

Twelve-step facilitation (TSF)

Twelve-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide peer support that many people find valuable throughout their recovery. These programs can complement professional treatment but are not a replacement for medical or behavioral health care.

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