Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
08:53
Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Internet-based interventions for young people with problematic substance use: a systematic review.
Robert J Tait1, Helen Christensen
1Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. Robert.tait@anu.edu.au
The Medical Journal of Australia
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Web-based interventions show a small effect in reducing alcohol use and related problems in young adults. However, they are not effective for preventing alcohol issues in non-drinkers and more data is needed for adolescent tobacco use interventions.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Adolescent and young adult substance use
- Public health
Background:
- Problematic substance use is a significant concern among adolescents and young adults.
- Web-based interventions offer a scalable approach to address substance use in this demographic.
- Previous reviews have not synthesized the evidence for web-based interventions in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized trials of web-based interventions for problematic substance use in adolescents and young adults.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions for alcohol and tobacco use.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Current Contents) and references.
- Included studies comparing web-based interventions to other interventions for individuals aged 25 years or younger.
Main Results:
- 13 studies on alcohol use in young adults were analyzed.
- Web interventions had a small overall effect on alcohol use (d = -0.22), particularly for binge drinking (d = -0.35) and social problems (d = -0.57).
- Interventions were ineffective for preventing alcohol problems in non-drinkers (d = -0.001). Data for adolescent tobacco interventions were insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Web-based interventions for alcohol problems are comparable to brief in-person interventions but more scalable.
- They are not effective for preventing alcohol problems in non-drinkers.
- More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of web interventions for adolescent tobacco use.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:28Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches
Designing a dosage regimen, which refers to the manner of drug administration, is a complex process involving the selection of drug dose, route, and frequency. This process is underpinned by pharmacokinetic parameters derived from tests and population averages. These parameters are then tailored to patient-specific variables such as diagnosis, demographics, and allergy status. Once therapy commences, therapeutic response monitoring is critical and achieved through clinical and physical...