The Optimal Recovery Programme

There are many effective, evidence-based therapies for substance use disorders (SUD).
Treatment is most successful when tailored to the personal context,
often combining different approaches.

BEHAVIOURAL / INDIVIDUAL:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

  Identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviours that lead to substance use,

  building coping skills.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT):

  A type of CBT that focuses on managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and

  tolerating distress.

• Contingency Management (CM):

  Uses tangible rewards (e.g., vouchers, privileges) to reinforce positive behaviours.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) / Enhancement Therapy (MET):

  A client-centred approach to resolve ambivalence and build internal motivation for change.

• Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs):

  Focuses on enhancing well-being, personal growth as a complementary tool in the recovery process.

• Relapse Prevention (RP):

  A skills-based approach to identify personal triggers and develop strategies to cope with high-risk situations.

• The Matrix Model:

  An intensive outpatient program combining counselling, skills development and family

  education.

• Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE):

  Integrates mindfulness, reappraisal and savouring to reduce addictive behaviour and improve

  emotional regulation.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

  A form of CBT that uses mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help individuals stop avoiding difficult feelings. Instead of fighting cravings, the patient learns to accept them as passing mental events while committing to behavioural changes aligned with their values.

• Behavioural Activation (BA):

  Focuses on helping patients engage in positive, rewarding activities to break the cycle of withdrawal, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and substance use.

• Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT):

  A short-term method based on attachment theory, helps you process and manage your emotions to deepen self-understanding, restore and strengthen connections with others, and develop secure and positive relationships.

FAMILY / INTERPERSONAL:

• Family Behavioural Therapy (FBT):

  Involves the patient and a family member to learn communication skills and address co-occurring issues like family conflict.

• Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT):

  Works with the family to improve their well-being and teach them strategies to encourage their loved one to seek help.

• Behavioural Couples Therapy (BCT):

  The person with SUD and their partner attend sessions together to build support for abstinence and improve relationship functioning.

• Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT):

  A comprehensive, family-centred outpatient treatment for adolescents that addresses multiple aspects of their lives.