This session provides a focused overview of evidence-based therapeutic modalities for substance use disorders, with particular emphasis on motivational interviewing as a foundational approach, aligned with the ACAAM National Addiction Medicine Didactic Curriculum and ABPM content areas.
What This Covers• Core principles and techniques of motivational interviewing• Strategies to elicit change talk and build patient motivation• Approaches to supporting behavior change through patient-centered communication• Overview of complementary therapies, including contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and twelve-step facilitation• Selection and integration of therapeutic approaches based on patient readiness, engagement, and individualized care needs
How This Resource Is UsedThis session is designed for on-demand learning and targeted content review. It can be used to reinforce specific knowledge areas or as part of structured board preparation.
Leah Leisch, MD
Dr. Leisch is an addiction medicine physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she serves as Program Director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship. She is also an Assistant Professor with active roles in clinical care and education.
Her work focuses on integrating evidence‑based behavioral and medical treatments for substance use disorders across diverse clinical settings.
To support a meaningful learning experience and recognize your participation:
Access PeriodAccess to this recording is available through June 30, 2027, in alignment with ACAAM’s annual academic cycle.
Recording Release CycleACAAM releases updated recorded sessions each July based on the prior academic year’s didactic series. These recordings are available for a limited time and are retired on June 30 of the following year as new content is released.