Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for stimulant use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jongtae Kim1, Jaeseok Kwak2, Hyunsuk Jeong3
1Department of Psychiatry, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychosocial intervention for stimulant use disorder (SUD). However, its independent efficacy is not well established, as previous reviews often combine it with other interventions or compare it to comparators with active components. To clarify its specific contribution, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of standalone CBT compared to minimal-treatment controls for achieving abstinence in individuals with SUD.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library through May 15, 2025, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared standalone CBT with minimal-treatment comparators, such as treatment-as-usual or wait-list controls, for individuals with SUD. The primary outcome was short-term stimulant abstinence. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for risk of bias assessment and pooled odds ratios (ORs) using a random-effects model. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251012327).
Results:
Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria, with eight trials (849 participants) included in the meta-analysis. Standalone CBT was associated with higher odds of achieving short-term (4-24 weeks) stimulant abstinence compared to minimal-treatment controls (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.08-7.70), although between-study heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 75.62%). The certainty of this evidence was rated as low using the GRADE approach, due to risk of bias and imprecision. Treatment dropout rates were similar between CBT and control groups (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.67-1.91), and no CBT-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that standalone CBT may increase short-term abstinence from stimulants. However, given the low certainty of the evidence, the effect estimate should be interpreted cautiously, and more high-quality research is needed. This research was funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO, identifier CRD420251012327.
More Related Videos
10:02Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
Published on: March 12, 2020
07:51A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:29Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...