How effective are secondary prevention interventions for young drug users?

Elliott, Lawrie; Orr, Linda C; Watson, Lynsey; Jackson, Andrew

Abstract

Interventions to reduce drug use in young people are often advocated on the basis of expert opinion or selective reviews of the scientific literature. The extent to which these views are fully supported by the scientific literature is unclear. The aim of this article is to indicate the types of secondary prevention interventions for young drug users that have been found to be effective by rigorous scientific inquiry. Some interventions are effective in reducing drug use and associated problems while others have no or mixed effect. Those successful in reducing drug use include behavior therapy, culturally sensitive counseling in residential settings, family therapy, Minnesota 12-step programs, residential care, and general drug treatment. Those with either no effect, or mixed effect, include schools interventions. Involving the family or tackling issues that are relevant to the family is of benefit across a range of interventions including, behavior therapy, family therapy, and those offered in schools. Indeed, family support is integral to the success of some programs

Citation

Elliott, L., Orr, L. C., Watson, L., & Jackson, A. (2005). How effective are secondary prevention interventions for young drug users?. Family therapy, 32, 15

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2005-02
• Deposit Date: Jan 28, 2013
• Print ISSN: 0091-6544
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Pages: 15
• Keywords: Drug abuse -- Prevention; behaviour therapy for teenagers; family psychotherapy; teenagers
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/5870