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Behavioral treatment of substance abuse in schizophrenia
Wendy N Tenhula1, Melanie E Bennett, Joanna E Strong Kinnaman
1VA Capital Health Care Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. wendy.tenhula@va.gov
Abstract:
Co-occurring substance use disorders are highly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) and are associated with clinically significant consequences. A multifaceted behavioral treatment called Behavioral Treatment for Substance Abuse in Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (BTSAS) can reduce substance abuse in persons with SPMI. The key treatment strategies in BTSAS include a urinalysis contingency, short-term goal setting, training in drug refusal skills, psychoeducation about the impact of drug use, and relapse prevention training. A case example illustrating the application of BTSAS is presented and relevant clinical issues are discussed.
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