J Morgenstern1, R Longabaugh. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA. jon.morgenstern@mssm.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This review examined support for the hypothesis that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for alcohol dependence works through increasing cognitive and behavioral coping skills. METHOD: Ten studies were identified that examined the hypothesized mechanisms of action of CBT. These studies involved random assignment (or its near equivalent) of participants to CBT and at least one comparison condition. RESULTS: Although numerous analyses of the possible causal links have been conducted to evaluate whether CBT works through increasing coping, the results indicate little support for the hypothesized mechanisms of action of CBT. CONCLUSIONS: Research has not yet established why CBT is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence. Negative findings may reflect methodological flaws of prior studies. Alternatively, findings may indicate one or more conceptual assumptions underlying CBT require revision.
OBJECTIVE: This review examined support for the hypothesis that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for alcohol dependence works through increasing cognitive and behavioral coping skills. METHOD: Ten studies were identified that examined the hypothesized mechanisms of action of CBT. These studies involved random assignment (or its near equivalent) of participants to CBT and at least one comparison condition. RESULTS: Although numerous analyses of the possible causal links have been conducted to evaluate whether CBT works through increasing coping, the results indicate little support for the hypothesized mechanisms of action of CBT. CONCLUSIONS: Research has not yet established why CBT is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence. Negative findings may reflect methodological flaws of prior studies. Alternatively, findings may indicate one or more conceptual assumptions underlying CBT require revision.
Authors: M Magill; Timothy R Apodaca; Justin Walthers; Jacques Gaume; Ayla Durst; Richard Longabaugh; Robert L Stout; Kathleen M Carroll Journal: J Subst Abuse Treat Date: 2016-07-29