Evidence-based psychotherapy of addictive disorders

Addictive disorders form the group of the most common mental disorders. A wide range of psychotherapeutic treatment interventions exists; however, the proportion of patients receiving evidence-based interventions or psychotherapeutic treatment in outpatient care is very low. The aim of the present review was a systematic reassessment of the empirical evidence for the efficacy of the different forms of psychotherapeutic treatment, identification of new effective interventions and derivation of recommendations for treatment practitioners. A comprehensive literature search in a multistage method in the relevant national and international data banks was conducted. Subsequent analysis of topical guidelines, systematic reviews and original studies about addictions and therapy was performed. A total of 3 topical national guidelines, 2 reviews and 16 original studies could be identified. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral interventions and motivational interventions could be identified as evidence-based interventions for the treatment of addictive disorders. Hypnotherapy can be recommended alternatively for patients dependent on tobacco. Also interesting for practitioners could be new treatment methods, such as neurocognitive training and mindfulness-based interventions. At present, although of high quality, results from existing studies are sometimes inconsistent or are numerically insufficient with respect to special treatment options. Future studies are warranted with respect to different substance use disorders and further patient groups.