EABT Abstract

Research has demonstrated strong correlations between insecure attachment and substance use disorder. Implications for treatment show that assessing insecure attachment styles can lead to increased awareness around thoughts, feelings and behaviors connected to unhealthy outcomes. Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) is a therapeutic model based on Attachment Theory, which emphasizes how our attachment styles interact with our unhealthy behaviors and tendencies. The primary objectives of EABT not only assist in moderating behaviors but also assist to promote an increase in the amount and frequency of secure attachments in a person’s life. This model is unique with respect to working on both the root cause problems that attributed to the development of substance use disorder and the issues that resulted from SUD simultaneously. Our belief is this dual prong approach results in better short-term and long-term results for increased healthy outcomes and an improvement in relationships and quality of life. Practitioners using Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) prioritize creating secure attachments in the therapeutic relationship. This results in a higher degree of safety and positive client experiences. It also corresponds with higher rates of treatment success. In our Pilot study, 150+ clients using EABT had a +11% treatment completion rate, +15% engagement and retention rate, +13% transition rate, and a 46% lower rate of atypical discharges. While larger studies are needed to expand on these findings our data suggests that EABT shows promise for improving SUD treatment outcomes and longer-term quality of life. It also demonstrates that if EABT can improve on root causes associated with the development of substance use disorders, then it could be a key factor for future preventative measures.