Evidence Base on Outpatient Behavioral Treatments for Adolescent Substance Use, Update 2018-2023: Current Status,...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Science
• Behavioral Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Adolescent substance use (ASU) is a significant public health concern.
• Previous reviews have established evidence for various behavioral treatments.
• There is a need to update the evidence base, particularly concerning youth marijuana and opioid use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the evidence on outpatient behavioral treatments for adolescent substance use (ASU).
• To address public health concerns regarding youth marijuana and opioid use.
• To evaluate the level of support for identified ASU treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature, including earlier updates and meta-analytic studies.
• Identification and evaluation of five comparative studies based on predefined criteria.
• Assessment of sample characteristics, evidence quality, and substance use outcomes for each study.

Main Results:

• Ecological family-based treatment, individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, and group cognitive-behavioral therapy are designated Well-Established.
• Behavioral family-based treatment and motivational interviewing are Probably Efficacious.
• Drug counseling is Possibly Efficacious; multicomponent treatments show strong evidence.

Conclusions:

• The efficacy of established behavioral treatments for adolescent substance use is confirmed.
• Discussion of best practices and emerging research for marijuana and opioid use interventions.
• Identification of future research directions, including technology-based interventions and co-occurring disorders.