Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy in Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

David M. Ledgerwood, Ph.D. Mary E. McCaul, Ph.D. Nancy M. Petry, Ph.D. 

In research and clinical treatment of substance use disorders, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are frequently combined. Medication is often used as a maintenance drug, to reduce cravings or intoxication, or to produce aversion to a substance, while the focus of psychotherapy may be to encourage abstinence, teach the patient new coping skills, or improve motivation to address drug or alcohol problems. 

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