Advancing interpersonal therapy for substance use disorders

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for substance use disorders has received little research attention over the past two decades, despite a suggested adaptation for substance use treatment. This article explores the potential reasons for the limited attention and suggests further adaptations that have the potential to increase the usefulness of IPT in treating substance use. The goal of this exploration is to renew interest in the use of IPT for substance use disorders and spark research to assess this type of intervention.

First, the published literature on the use of IPT for treating substance abuse is reviewed. Subsequently, substance use research commenting on the relational aspects of substance abuse is examined and used in order to develop and support suggested adaptations to IPT for substance abuse treatment.

Suggested adaptations include incorporating relational elements from motivational interviewing, focusing on the importance of developing meaningful roles in society, encouraging social bonding with non-users, and using the therapeutic relationship to develop the capacity to self-soothe.

It is expected that the suggested adaptations for IPT will enable IPT treatment to be more effective. Scientific evaluation of IPT for substance abuse is encouraged with the adoption of these proposed adaptations.