CBT is Effective for Cocaine Addiction

A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors sought to determine whether the use of D-cycloserine (DCS), a cognitive enhancer, would improve the effects of CBT treatment and boost abstinence and treatment retention goals among cocaine addicts. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive TAU (12-Step technique), four weeks of CBT treatment combined with DCS medication, or four weeks of CBT treatment combined with a placebo medication.

Results indicate that the condensed form of CBT was more effective than TAU. Furthermore, the addition of DCS did not increase CBT efficacy. In fact, the CBT plus placebo group showed slightly greater abstinence and retention rates than CBT plus DCS. This study adds to previous research that supports the use of CBT to promote relapse prevention and functional recovery among patients with cocaine addictions.

Kennedy, A. P., Gross, R. E., Whitfield, N., Drexler, K. P. G., & Kilts, C. D. (2012) A controlled trial of the adjunct use of D-cycloserine to facilitate cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes in a cocaine-dependent population. Addictive Behaviors, 37(8), 900-907.