Selective prevention programs for substance and behavioral addictions in adolescents: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Selective prevention of substance use in adolescents is crucial for mitigating risks in vulnerable youth.
• A significant gap exists in the systematic validation and scientific rigor of implemented prevention programs.
• This review addresses the need for evidence-based strategies in adolescent substance use prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and describe selective substance use prevention programs for adolescents.
• To critically assess the effectiveness of these programs based on existing scientific evidence.
• To highlight strengths and limitations of current prevention approaches.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches conducted across major scientific databases and best practice repositories.
• Methodological quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Main Results:

• Twenty studies analyzed 24 programs; only a subset demonstrated robust evidence.
• Programs like Prevventure, Trampoline, ASSIST, and Project TND showed strong theoretical basis and positive outcomes.
• Identified limitations include study design heterogeneity, limited Southern European data, and lack of gender/cultural considerations.

Conclusions:

• A disparity exists between program implementation and empirical effectiveness evaluation.
• There is an urgent need for rigorously evaluated selective interventions.
• Future programs must be contextually tailored and meet high-quality standards for maximum impact.