Psychological approaches

There are a number of psychological treatment approaches that are commonly used in the treatment of many mental disorders [102]. These approaches have predominantly been delivered face-to-face, but delivery via telehealth (e.g., telephone or videoconferencing) has expanded considerably in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological approaches include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
• Behavioural activation.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
• Contingency management.
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT).
• Exposure therapy.
• Mindfulness training.
• Motivational interviewing (MI).
• Psychosocial group therapy.
• Relapse prevention.

Many AOD workers would be familiar with these approaches as they are also used in the treatment of AOD use disorders. In some cases, it may be necessary for a substantial reduction in AOD use and withdrawal symptoms to occur before more intensive psychotherapies can be effective. Some clients may be more able to respond to cognitive interventions if they are taking pharmacotherapies for their AOD use which free them from distracting cravings and physiological withdrawal symptoms (e.g., acamprosate or naltrexone for alcohol use disorders).