Psychological flexibility-based interventions versus first-line psychosocial interventions for substance use disorders: Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

In this study, we first identified third-wave CBTs that deliberately target psychological flexibility and categorized them as psychological flexibility–based interventions (PF interventions). PF interventions included ACT, DBT, mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement, and distress tolerance therapy. We then conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared PF interventions to first-line psychosocial interventions. From a total of 2781 citations, our search identified 10 RCTs including a total of 658 participants. Compared to the first-line psychosocial interventions recommended for SUD treatment (e.g., brief motivational interventions, 12-step groups, and the like), PF interventions demonstrated a higher rate of substance discontinuation (33.6% vs 24.8%). There was no significant difference in dropout rate between the two groups of interventions. Third-wave CBT methods that target psychological flexibility are promising interventions for SUDs. Meta-analyses of this kind are a useful first step in taking a process-based therapy approach to the current evidence on psychosocial interventions.

Source: Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science - August 1, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research