Treating Concurrent Substance Use Among Adults

Abstract

Despite the increased prevalence of individuals using multiple substances at the same time, limited research exists on evidence-based treatment practices that have demonstrated improved outcomes for individuals who use more than one substance. Therefore, there is a need to identify and assess the effectiveness of treatment practices so that clinicians and organizations have the necessary resources and evidence-based practices to assist this population.

The guide presents three evidence-based practices that engage and improve outcomes for individuals with concurrent substance use and concurrent substance use disorders: • FDA-approved phannacotherapy together with counseling to treat two substance combinations: 1. alcohol and cocaine dependence and 2. cocaine and opioid dependence • Contingency management together with FDA-approved pharmacotherapy and counseling to treat two substance combinations: 1. cocaine and opioid use and dependence and 2. cocaine dependence and alcohol and opioid use • Twelve-step facilitation therapy together with FDA-approved pharmacotherapy and counseling to treat two substance combinations: 1. cocaine and opioid dependence and 2. opioid and other substance dependence.

The guide provides considerations and strategies for clinicians and organizations implementing evidence-based practices. These approaches will assist clinicians, behavioral health organizations, primary care providers, insurers, and policy makers in understanding, selecting, and implementing evidence-based interventions that support adults with concurrent substance use and/or concurrent substance use disorders.