What Is Evidence-Based Treatment?

In a nutshell, evidence-based treatment or therapy (EBT) is a scientifically structured method of psychological treatment. Therapists or psychologists use clinical findings from accredited institutions that have proven successful in treating specific conditions.

At Sana at Stowe, we offer evidence-based treatment for individuals undergoing addiction rehabilitation. We are here to partner with you for a long and successful recovery.

What Are Evidence-Based Guidelines for Treatment?

While we understand that addiction rehab is more than a one-size-fits-all treatment, evidence-based therapy follows similar steps and guidelines to find the right treatment style for an individual’s needs. These steps act in a cyclical motion and include:

1. Asking clinical questions: The therapist, psychiatrist, or physician will talk to the patient and assess their level of addiction and specific circumstances. This information will be turned into clinical questions to find the best information for their care.
2. Researching evidence: The search will begin here as the medical professional researches clinical literature to answer their clinical questions.
3. Validating information: Once evidence is found, the medical professional will critically appraise it for validity, impact, and applicability to the patient’s condition or preferences.
4. Integrating practice: The medical professional will then implement the clinical evidence into the patient’s treatment plan.
5. Evaluating progress: If the patient responds well to the practice, it will be implemented. If not, steps one through four are repeated to find a more suitable solution.

What Are Examples of Evidence-Based Treatment?

You’ll know a treatment is evidence-based if it has several studies validating its success for patients in similar situations. Some of the most commonly used evidence-based practices in therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT investigates the root of unhealthy thinking patterns through how individuals see themselves and the world around them. Through this understanding, CBT will teach individuals how to manage these thoughts and find positive ways to spin them.
• Trauma-informed care (TIC): For individuals who have experienced trauma, TIC helps them feel safe to talk about their past. This approach acknowledges what someone has gone through and uses their past and present to help them move forward.
• Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT is a branch of CBT that focuses more on an individual’s emotional and social aspects, such as interpersonal relationships. Individuals learn tools such as problem-solving, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): If individuals doubt their abilities to live a better life, MET can encourage them in their strengths. This therapy also teaches coping strategies and sets goals for success.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Individuals struggling with addiction often feel like substances run their lives — EBT can help them take back control of their bodies and seek lasting change. Additionally, EBT can:

• Improve care quality: By finding a scientifically proven treatment for addiction, an individual’s care quality can increase. This is also possible due to EBT’s customizable structure.
• Increase recovery time: Once a working method is found, the recovery process can progress much faster. Over time, individuals will develop a stronger foundation for sobriety.
• Encourage long-term recovery: Seeing progress and effectiveness, individuals will feel more confident in their abilities to stay sober. Having this foundation and support system is essential for any recovery.

Evidence-Based Practice at Sana at Stowe

Sana at Stowe implements an evidence-based approach in everything we do. Our skilled clinicians will work with you to develop a one-of-a-kind treatment plan for your individual needs. Our supportive facility encourages trust and relationship-building between client and clinician, dedicating their time and a listening ear to your story and treatment concerns.

We offer several programs to keep individuals accountable in their recovery journey. Contact us to learn more about our inpatient programs, or schedule a tour today!