Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: an Update on Evidence-Based Strategies

  • Child and Adolescent Disorders (TD Benton, Section editor)
  • Published:
Current Psychiatry Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To examine the most recent published evidence (2016–2019) regarding the treatment of adolescent substance use disorders and to provide an update on evidence-based strategies, adjunctive interventions, and methods to improve currently established treatment approaches.

Recent Findings

Recent evidence suggests that psychosocial treatments such as family-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and multicomponent approaches remain the most effective methods of treatment; however, innovative ways of improving these treatment strategies may include digital and culturally based interventions. New advances in adjunctive treatments such as pharmacotherapy, exercise, mindfulness, and recovery-oriented educational centers may have some clinical utility.

Summary

Well-established psychosocial interventions remain the primary modality of treatment. Promising new adjunctive treatments and improvements in our currently established treatments may yield significant improvements.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 16–4984, NSDUH Series H-51). Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/. 2016.

  2. Adolescent Substance Use: America’s #1 Public Health Problem. A Report by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) Columbia June 29, 2011. 2011.

  3. Dawson DA, Goldstein RB, Chou SP, Ruan WJ, Grant BF. Age at first drink and the first incidence of adult-onset DSM-IV alcohol use disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2008;32:2149–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Welsh JW, Knight JR, Hou SS, Malowney M, Schram P, Sherritt L, et al. Association between substance use diagnoses and psychiatric disorders in an adolescent and young adult clinic-based population. J Adolesc Health. 2017;60(6):648–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.12.018.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Heradstveit O, Skogen JC, Hetland J, Hysing M. Alcohol and illicit drug use are important factors for school-related problems among adolescents. Front Psychol. 2017;8:1023.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Gray KM, Squeglia LM. Research review: what have we learned about adolescent substance use? J Child Psychol Psychiatry Allied Discip. 2018;59:618–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Squeglia LM, Gray KM. Alcohol and drug use and the developing brain. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2016;18:46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Belendiuk KA, Riggs P. Treatment of adolescent substance use disorders. Curr Treat Opt Psychiatry. 2014;1:175–88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-014-0016-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Hogue A, Henderson C, Becker S, Knight D. Evidence base on outpatient behavioral treatments for adolescent substance use, 2014–2017: outcomes, treatment delivery, and promising horizons. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(4):499–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2018.1466307.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Nathan PE, Gorman JM. Efficacy, effectiveness, and the clinical utility of psychotherapy research. In: Nathan PE, Gorman JM, editors. A guide to treatments that work. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2002. p. 642–54.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hogue A, Henderson CE, Ozechowski TJ, Robbins MS. Evidence base on outpatient behavioral treatments for adolescent substance use: updates and recommendations 2007–2013. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2014;43:695–720. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2014.915550.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. LoBraico EJ, Fosco GM, Crowley DM, Redmond C, Spoth RL, Feinberg ME. Examining intervention component dosage effects on substance use initiation in the strengthening families program: for parents and youth ages 10–14. Prev Sci. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-019-00994-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. • Bo A, Hai A, Jaccard J. Parent-based interventions on adolescent alcohol use outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018;191:98–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.05.031. This meta-analysis reviews the efficacy of parent-based interventions for adolescent alcohol use, demonstrating that broad, general parenting interventions are just as important as alcohol-specific interventions.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Van der Pol TM, Hoeve M, Noom MJ, Stams GJ, Doreleijers TA, Domburgh LV, et al. Research review: the effectiveness of multidimensional family therapy in treating adolescents with multiple behavior problems - a meta-analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017;58(5):532–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12685.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. • Liddle HA, Dakof GA, Rowe CL, Henderson C, Greenbaum P, Wang W, et al. Multidimensional family therapy as a community-based alternative to residential treatment for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. J Subst Abus Treat. 2018;90:47–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.04.011. This study is an RCT which compares the effectiveness of MDFT to residential treatment. It found no significant therapeutic differences between the two, indicating that adolescents who meet criteria for residential treatment may be adequately managed in an outpatient setting with MDFT.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Pol TM, Hendriks V, Rigter H, Cohn MD, Doreleijers TAH, Domburgh L, et al. Multidimensional family therapy in adolescents with a cannabis use disorder: long-term effects on delinquency in a randomized controlled trial. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2018;12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-018-0248-x.

  17. Goorden M, van der Schee E, Hendriks VM, Hakkaart-van Roijen L. Cost-effectiveness of multidimensional family therapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with a cannabis use disorder: data from a randomized controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2016;162:154–61 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.03.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Brewer S, Godley MD, Hulvershorn LA. Treating mental health and substance use disorders in adolescents: what is on the menu? Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19:5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0755-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Stanger C, Lansing AH, Budney AJ. Advances in research on contingency management for adolescent substance use. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2016;25:645–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2016.05.002.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Stanger C, Scherer EA, Babbin SF, Ryan SR, Budney AJ. Abstinence based incentives plus parent training for adolescent alcohol and other substance misuse. Psychol Addict Behav. 2017;31(4):385–92 10.1037/adb0000279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Kelly JF, Kaminer Y, Kahler CW, Hoeppner B, Yetarian J, Cristello JV, et al. A pilot randomized clinical trial testing integrated 12-step facilitation (iTSF) treatment for adolescent substance use disorder. Addiction. 2017;112:2155–66. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13920.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Spirito A, Hernandez L, Cancilliere MK, Graves HR, Rodriguez AM, Operario D, et al. Parent and adolescent motivational enhancement intervention for substance-using, truant adolescents: a pilot randomized trial. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(Suppl 1):S467–79 10.1080/15374416.2017.1399402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Thurstone C, Hull M, Timmerman J, Emrick C. Development of a motivational interviewing/acceptance and commitment therapy model for adolescent substance use treatment. J Contextual Behav Sci. 2017;6(4):375–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2017.08.00.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Flanagan JC, Korte KJ, Killeen TK, Back SE. Concurrent treatment of substance use and PTSD. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2016;18(8):70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0709-y.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Danielson, C. K., Adams, Z. A., & Hanson, R. (2019). Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT): exposure-based treatment for co-occurring PTSD and substance use problems among adolescents (pgs. 165–182). In A. A. Vujanovic & S. E. Back (Eds.), Posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders: a comprehensive clinical handbook. New York: Routledge.

  26. Cohen JA, Mannarino AP, Deblinger E. Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents. New York, NY: Guilford Press; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Henggeler SW. Multisystemic therapy for antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Guilford Press; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Danielson CK, Adams ZW, Chapman J, McCart MM, Sheidow A, Walker J, Smalling A & de Arellano M. The safety and efficacy of exposure-based treatment of co-occurring substance use problems and PTSD among adolescents: a randomized controlled trial of Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT). Manuscript submitted for publication. 2019.

  29. Knight DK, Joe GW, Becan JE, Crawley RD, Theisen SE, Flynn PM. Effectiveness of an intervention for improving intrinsic motivation among adolescent males in a secure substance use treatment setting. Crim Justice Behav. 2019;46(1):101–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854818804857.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Li L, Zhu S, Tse N, Tse S, Wong P. Effectiveness of motivational interviewing to reduce illicit drug use in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction. 2016;111(5):795–805. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13285.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Carney T, Myers BJ, Louw J, Okwundu CI. Brief school-based interventions and behavioural outcomes for substance-using adolescents (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;CD008969.

  32. • D’Amico EJ, Parast L, Shadel WG, Meredith LS, Seelam R, Stein BD. Brief motivational interviewing intervention to reduce alcohol and marijuana use for at-risk adolescents in primary care. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2018;86(9):775–86. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000332. This RCT demonstrated that brief motivational interviewing sessions performed in primary care settings can effect lasting changes in alcohol and cannabis use over one year later in adolescents.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Dembo R, Briones-Robinson R, Schmeidler J, Wareham J, Ungaro R, Winters KC, et al. Brief intervention impact on truant youths’ marijuana use: eighteen-month follow-up. J Child Adolesc Subst Abuse. 2016;25(1):18–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1067828X.2013.872068.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Laporte C, Vaillant-Roussel H, Pereira B, Blanc O, Eschalier B, Kinouani S, et al. Cannabis and young users-a brief intervention to reduce their consumption (CANABIC): a cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care. Ann Fam Med. 2017;15(2):131–9. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2003.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Newton AS, Dow N, Dong K, Fitzpatrick E, Cameron Wild T, Johnson DW, et al. A randomised controlled pilot trial evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based tool to identify and reduce harmful and hazardous drinking among adolescents with alcohol-related presentations in Canadian pediatric emergency departments. BMJ Open. 2017;7(8):e015423. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015423.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Becker SJ, Jones RN, Hernandez L, Graves HR, Spirito A. Moderators of brief motivation-enhancing treatments for alcohol-positive adolescents presenting to the emergency department. J Subst Abus Treat. 2016;69:28–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2016.06.014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Wurdak M, Wolstein J, Kuntsche E. Effectiveness of a drinking-motive-tailored emergency-room intervention among adolescents admitted to hospital due to acute alcohol intoxication - a randomized controlled trial. Prev Med Rep. 2016;3:83–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.12.009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Conde K, Brandariz RA, Lichtenberger A, Cremonte M. The effectiveness of a brief intervention for reducing adolescent alcohol consumption. Revista Ciencias De La Salud. 2018;16(3):393–407. https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.7261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Stewart D, Siebert E, Arlt V, Moise-Campbell C, Lehinger E. Ready or not: findings from a school-based mi intervention for adolescent substance use. J Subst Abus Treat. 2016;71:23–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2016.08.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Walker DD, Stephens RS, Blevins CE, Banes KE, Matthews L, Roffman RA. Augmenting brief interventions for adolescent marijuana users: the impact of motivational check-ins. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2016;84(11):983–92. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000094.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Fortuna L, Porche M, Padilla A. A treatment development study of a cognitive and mindfulness-based therapy for adolescents with co-occurring post-traumatic stress and substance use disorder. Psychol Psychother. 2018;91(1):42–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12143.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Godley SH, Smith JE, Passetti LL, Subramaniam G. The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) as a model paradigm for the management of adolescents with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Subst Abus. 2014;35(4):352–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2014.936993.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Godley MD, Passetti LL, Subramaniam GA, Funk RR, Smith JE, Meyers RJ. Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach implementation and treatment outcomes for youth with opioid problem use. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;174:9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.12.029.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Kaminer Y, Ohannessian C, Burke R. Adolescents with cannabis use disorders: Adaptive treatment for poor responders. Addict Behav. 2017;70:102–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.02.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Kelly JF, Yeterian JD, Cristello JV, Kaminer Y, Kahler CW, Timko C. Developing and testing twelve-step facilitation for adolescents with substance use disorder: manual development and preliminary outcomes. Subst Abuse Res Treat. 2016;10:55–64. https://doi.org/10.4137/SART.S39635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. • Squeglia LM, Fadus MC, McClure EA, Tomko RL, Gray KM. Pharmacological treatment of youth substance use disorders. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2019.0009. This 2019 review examines the literature for treating adolescent SUDs with adjunctive pharmacotherapy.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Levy S, Ryan SA, Gonzalez PK, Patrick SW, Quigley J, Siqueira L, et al. Medication-assisted treatment of adolescents with opioid use disorders. Pediatrics. 2016;138(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1893.

  48. Borodovsky JT, Levy S, Fishman M, Marsch LA. Buprenorphine treatment for adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorders: a narrative review. J Addict Med. 2018;12:170–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Woody GE, Poole SA, Subramaniam G, Dugosh K, Bogenschutz M, Abbott P, et al. Extended vs short-term buprenorphine-naloxone for treatment of opioid-addicted youth: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2008;300:2003–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Vo HT, Burgower R, Rozenberg I, Fishman M. Home-based delivery of XR-NTX in youth with opioid addiction. J Subst Abus Treat. 2018;85:84–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2017.08.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Marsch LA, Moore SK, Borodovsky JT, Solhkhah R, Badger GJ, Semino S, et al. A randomized controlled trial of buprenorphine taper duration among opioid-dependent adolescents and young adults. Addiction. 2016;111(8):1406–15 10.1111/add.13363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Miranda R Jr, Ray L, Blanchard A, Reynolds EK, Monti PM, Chun T, et al. Effects of naltrexone on adolescent alcohol cue reactivity and sensitivity: an initial randomized trial. Addict Biol. 2014;19:941–54.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. O’Malley SS, Corbin WR, Leeman RF, DeMartini KS, Fucito LM, Ikomi J, et al. Reduction of alcohol drinking in young adults by naltrexone: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety. J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76:e207–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. DeMartini KS, Gueorguieva R, Leeman RF, Corbin WR, Fucito LM, Kranzler HR, et al. Longitudinal findings from a randomized clinical trial of naltrexone for young adult heavy drinkers. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2016;84:185–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Gray KM, Carpenter MJ, Baker NL, DeSantis SM, Kryway E, Hartwell KJ, et al. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine in cannabis-dependent adolescents. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169:805–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Gray KM, Sonne SC, McClure EA, Ghitza UE, Matthews AG, McRae-Clark AL, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine for cannabis use disorder in adults. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;177:249–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.04.020.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Gray KM, Watson NL, Carpenter MJ, Larowe SD. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in young marijuana users: an open-label pilot study. Am J Addict. 2010;19:187–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Killen JD, Robinson TN, Ammerman S, Hayward C, Rogers J, Stone C, et al. Randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of bupropion combined with nicotine patch in the treatment of adolescent smokers. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004;72:729–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Muramoto ML, Leischow SJ, Sherrill D, Matthews E, Strayer LJ. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 2 dosages of sustained-release bupropion for adolescent smoking cessation. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161:1068–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Gray KM, Carpenter MJ, Lewis AL, Klintworth EM, Upadhyaya HP. Varenicline versus bupropion XL for smoking cessation in older adolescents: a randomized, double-blind pilot trial. Nicotine Tob Res. 2012;14:234–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Fadus M, Smith T, Squeglia L. The rise of e-cigarettes, pod mod devices, and juul among youth: factors influencing use, health implications, and downstream effects. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019;201:85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.04.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Tsai J, Walton K, Coleman B, Sharapova S, Johnson S, Kennedy S, et al. Reasons for electronic cigarette use among middle and high school students - national youth tobacco survey, united states, 2016. Mmwr. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67(6):196–200. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6706a5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Myung SK, Park JY. Efficacy of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in adolescent smokers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nicotine Tob Res. 2018.

  64. Butzer B, LoRusso A, Shin SH, Khalsa SB. Evaluation of yoga for preventing adolescent substance use risk factors in a middle school setting: a preliminary group-randomized controlled trial. J Youth Adolesc. 2016;46(3):603–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0513-3.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. More A, Jackson B, Dimmock JA, Thornton AL, Colthart A, Furzer BJ. Exercise in the treatment of youth substance use disorders: review and recommendations. Front Psychol. 2017 8(OCT). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01839.

  66. More A, Jackson B, Dimmock JA, Thornton AL, Colthart A, Furzer BJ. “It’s like a counselling session … but you don’t need to say anything:” exercise program outcomes for youth within a drug and alcohol treatment service. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2018;39:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.07.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Russell BS, Hutchison M, Fusco A. Emotion regulation outcomes and preliminary feasibility evidence from a mindfulness intervention for adolescent substance use. J Child Adolesc Subst Abuse. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/1067828X.2018.1561577.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Finch A, Tanner-Smith E, Hennessy E, Moberg D. Recovery high schools: effect of schools supporting recovery from substance use disorders. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(2):175–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2017.1354378.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Buckheit K, Moskal D, Spinola S, Maisto SA, Chung T. Alcohol treatment goal choice predicts longitudinal drinking outcomes in adolescent substance users. J Child Adolesc Subst Abuse. 2018;27(1):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/1067828X.2017.1384776.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Kaminer Y, Ohannessian CM, Burke RH. Goal commitment predicts cannabis use for adolescents in treatment. Subst Abus. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2019.1573207.

  71. Russell KC, Gillis HL, Law L, Couillard J. A pilot study examining outcomes associated with the implementation of progress monitoring at a substance use disorder treatment program for adolescents. Child Youth Care Forum. 2018;47(3):403–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-018-9437-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Smedslund G, Nilsen W, Wollscheid S, Steiro A, Fang L, Larun L. Effects of computerized interventions on risky alcohol use among youth: systematic review. Res Soc Work Pract. 2018;2018. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731518815259.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Anderson M, Jiang J. Teens, social media & technology 2018. 2018. Retrieved from https://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/.

  74. Hoch E, Preuss UW, Ferri M, Simon R. Digital interventions for problematic cannabis users in non-clinical settings: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Addict Res. 2016;22:233–42. https://doi.org/10.1159/000445716-.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Tofighi B, Nicholson JM, McNeely J, Muench F, Lee JD. Mobile phone messaging for illicit drug and alcohol dependence: a systematic review of the literature. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2017;36:477–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12535.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Haug S, Paz Castro R, Kowatsch T, Filler A, Dey M, Schaub MP. Efficacy of a web- and text messaging-based intervention to reduce problem drinking in adolescents: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2017;85(2):147–59. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000138.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Hides L, Quinn C, Cockshaw W, Stoyanov S, Zelenko O, Johnson D, et al. Efficacy and outcomes of a mobile app targeting alcohol use in young people. Addict Behav. 2018;77:89–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.09.020.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Benarous X, Edel Y, Consoli A, Brunelle J, Etter J, Cohen D, Khazaal Y. Ecological momentary assessment and smartphone application intervention in adolescents with substance use and comorbid severe psychiatric disorders: study protocol. Front Psychiatry. 2016;7(SEP). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00157.

  79. Hu EM. The effectiveness of text coaching on substance use treatment outcomes in adolescence. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering. ProQuest Information & Learning. 2018. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2017-54457-058&site=ehost-live.

  80. Jander A, Crutzen R, Mercken L, Candel M, de Vries H. Effects of a web-based computer-tailored game to reduce binge drinking among dutch adolescents: a cluster randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(2):e29. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.4708.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  81. Jacobus J, Taylor C, Gray K, Meredith L, Porter A, Li I, et al. A multi-site proof-of-concept investigation of computerized approach-avoidance training in adolescent cannabis users. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018;187:195–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.03.007.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  82. • Arnaud N, Baldus C, Elgán TH, De Paepe N, Tønnesen H, Csémy L, et al. Effectiveness of a web-based screening and fully automated brief motivational intervention for adolescent substance use: a randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(5):e103. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.4643. This RCT demonstrated that targeted, brief motivational interventions in an automated, web-based format can be effective to reduce risky drinking among adolescents.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  83. Braciszewski JM, Tzilos Wernette GK, Moore RS, Bock BC, Stout RL, Chamberlain P. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a technology-based substance use intervention for youth exiting foster care. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2018;94:466–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.08.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Mason MJ, Zaharakis NM, Russell M, Childress V. A pilot trial of text-delivered peer network counseling to treat young adults with cannabis use disorder. J Subst Abus Treat. 2018;89:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.03.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Mason MJ, Zaharakis NM, Moore M, Brown A, Garcia C, Seibers A, et al. Who responds best to text-delivered cannabis use disorder treatment? A randomized clinical trial with young adults. Psychol Addict Behav. 2018;32(7):699–709. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000403.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Paz Castro R, Haug S, Kowatsch T, Filler A, Schaub M. Moderators of outcome in a technology-based intervention to prevent and reduce problem drinking among adolescents. Addict Behav. 2017;72:64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.03.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Norman P, Cameron D, Epton T, Webb TL, Harris PR, Millings A, et al. A randomized controlled trial of a brief online intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in new university students: combining self-affirmation, theory of planned behaviour messages, and implementation intentions. Br J Health Psychol. 2017;23(1):108–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  88. Bernstein MH, Stein LAR, Neighbors C, Suffoletto B, Carey KB, Ferszt G, et al. A text message intervention to reduce 21st birthday alcohol consumption: evaluation of a two-group randomized controlled trial. Psychol Addict Behav. 2018;32(2):149–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Brinker T, Holzapfel J, Baudson T, Sies K, Jakob L, Baumert H, et al. Photoaging smartphone app promoting poster campaign to reduce smoking prevalence in secondary schools: the smokerface randomized trial: Design and baseline characteristics. BMJ Open. 2016;6(11):014288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  90. Huckvale K, Torous J, Larsen ME. Assessment of the data sharing and privacy practices of smartphone apps for depression and smoking cessation. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(4):e192542. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.2542.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  91. Hodge D, Jackson K, Vaughn M. Culturally sensitive interventions and substance use: a meta-analytic review of outcomes among minority youths. Soc Work Res. 2012;36(1):11–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svs008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  92. • Steinka-Fry K, Tanner-Smith E, Dakof G, Henderson C. Culturally sensitive substance use treatment for racial/ethnic minority youth: a meta-analytic review. J Subst Abus Treat. 2017;75:22–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2017.01.006. This meta-analysis found that treatments which incorporated culturally sensitive design and delivery of SUD interventions led to significantly larger reductions in substance use.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  93. Kann L, McManus T, Harris WA, Shanklin SL, Flint KH, Queen B, et al. Youth risk behavior surveillance—United States, 2017. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2018;67:1–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Shih RA, Miles JN, Tucker JS, Zhou AJ, D’Amico EJ. Racial/ethnic differences in adolescent substance use: mediation by individual, family, and school factors. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2010;71(5):640–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Burrow-Sánchez JJ, Hops H. A randomized trial of culturally accommodated versus standard group treatment for Latina/o adolescents with substance use disorders: posttreatment through 12- month outcomes. Cult Divers Ethn Minor Psychol. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  96. Marsiglia FF, Ayers SL, Han SY, Weide A. The role of culture of origin on the effectiveness of a parents-involved intervention to prevent substance use among latino middle school youth: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Prev Sci. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-018-0968-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  97. Alegria M, Carson NJ, Goncalves M, Keefe K. Disparities in treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders for ethnic/racial minority youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011;50(1):22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2010.10.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Lipperman-Kreda S, Grube JW. Impacts of marijuana commercialization on adolescents’ marijuana beliefs, use, and co-use with other substances. J Adolesc Health. 2018;63(1):5–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.05.003.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  99. Scott JC, Slomiak ST, Jones JD, Rosen A, Moore TM, Gur RC. Association of cannabis with cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2018;75(6):585–95. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0335.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  100. Blest-Hopley G, Giampietro V, Bhattacharyya S. Residual effects of cannabis use in adolescent and adult brains — a meta-analysis of fmri studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;88:26–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse R25 DA020537 (Back and Brady), U01 DA041093 (Squeglia and Gray); and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism R01AA027399 (Gray and Squeglia), K23 AA025399 (Squeglia), and K12 HD055885 (Tomko).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Matthew C. Fadus, Lindsay M. Squeglia, Emilio A. Valadez, Rachel L. Tomko, Brittany E. Bryant & Kevin M. Gray

Authors
  1. Matthew C. Fadus
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lindsay M. Squeglia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Emilio A. Valadez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Rachel L. Tomko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Brittany E. Bryant
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Kevin M. Gray
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew C. Fadus.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Matthew C. Fadus, Lindsay M. Squeglia, Emilio A. Valadez, Rachel L. Tomko, and Brittany E. Bryant each declares no potential conflicts of interest.

Kevin M. Gray provided consultation on smoking cessation pharmacotherapy for Pfizer.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Child and Adolescent Disorders

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fadus, M.C., Squeglia, L.M., Valadez, E.A. et al. Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: an Update on Evidence-Based Strategies. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 96 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1086-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1086-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation