Combined Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Source:

Ray LA, Meredith LR, Kiluk BD, Walthers J, Carroll KM, Magill M. Combined Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e208279. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8279

Key Points

Question  Is cognitive behavioral therapy associated with improved outcomes for alcohol and other substance use disorders in the context of pharmacotherapy for addiction?

Findings  This systemic review and meta-analysis including 30 studies found that combined cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy was associated with increased benefit compared with usual care and pharmacotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy did not perform better than another evidence-based modality in this context or as an add-on to combined usual care and pharmacotherapy.

Meaning  These findings suggest that best practices in addiction treatment should include pharmacotherapy plus cognitive behavioral therapy or another evidence-based therapy, rather than usual clinical management or nonspecific counseling services.