Magill, Molly and Nichols, Lindsey M and Kiluk, Brian D and Alton, Emily and Tartak, Omeed and Ray, Lara A (2026) A meta-analysis of cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorder: treatment effects by comparator type and consumption and psychosocial outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 203, 105101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2026.105101.
External website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis examines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders (SUD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted through June of 2025. All available outcomes were extracted and grouped into thirteen categories (e.g., abstinence, quantity of use, cognitive changes, quality of life), and into two broader outcome classes (i.e., consumption; psychosocial). Robust variance estimation accounted for clustering of effect sizes at the study level.
Highlights
• This meta-analysis examines consumption and psychosocial functioning outcomes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) demonstrated efficacy overall.
• The most consistent effects were observed for consumption outcomes.
• Data supports adjunctive use of CBT for consumption and psychosocial outcomes.
• Residual heterogeneity suggests caution when interpreting effect size magnitude.
B Substances > Substances in general
F Concepts in psychology > Cognition / Memory
G Health and disease > State of health > Mental health
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction)
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Psychosocial treatment method
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Treatment outcome
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Psychotherapy > Psychoanalytic therapy > Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Treatment and maintenance > Treatment factors
L Social psychology and related concepts > Lifestyle
VA Geographic area > International
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