TOWARDS RECOVERY Therapeutic approaches to improve the treatment of alcohol use disorder

Abstract

The best evidence-based treatments for alcohol dependence are currently those developed within multidisciplinary programmes based on a cognitive-behavioural approach, which include psychological, sociological, and medical dimensions. However, recovery is not always achieved. The percentage of individuals who abandon these programs and relapse is high throughout the whole process and an adequate state of wellbeing is not always found. This paper outlines some of the complements or techniques that could be incorporated into the most common treatments to enhance behavioural change while also considering long-term outcomes. Thus, the text highlights the importance of considering recovery as the culmination of the process of change towards improved health, wellbeing, and a self-directed life purpose, rather than just abstinence.