Accurately diagnosing substance use disorder among adolescents
Adolescence is a pivotal developmental growth period. Although the World Mental Health assessment called the “Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module” (CIDI-SAM) was developed for adults, it is commonly used with adolescents. Thus, it may not accurately or reliably identify adolescents with substance use disorders. This study compared this module to diagnoses made by […]
Collegiate recovery student attitudes toward medications for substance use disorder
Young adults are more skeptical than older adults about medications for substance use disorder like buprenorphine. This study examined factors that may help clarify these attitudes in a unique sample of young adults – individuals enrolled in a collegiate recovery program. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? There are several FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders, […]
Are collegiate recovery programs worth the investment?
The first collegiate recovery program was founded at Brown University in 1977. Since then, these programs have seen explosive growth, with 136 currently in operation. Universities are often tasked with determining whether programs are worth their cost. This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of collegiate recovery programs. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? College recovery programs […]
Young people and some racial groups may be less likely to engage with AA
Due to its widespread and free availability and research supporting its cost-effectiveness, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been described as the closest thing public health has to a “free lunch”. Yet, not everyone may want a seat at the lunch table or want what’s on AA’s menu. This nationally representative study examined who is more or […]
IDENTIFYING HELPFUL TEXT MESSAGE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ALCOHOL USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
Alcohol use often increases through young adulthood, which for some can have immediate and long-term consequences. Young adults, however, are harder to engage in treatment than their older counterparts. Innovative, “low-touch” strategies like texting may help reach more young adults that might not otherwise seek treatment. This randomized controlled trial examined several text message interventions […]
LARGE YOUTH STUDY REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE USE IN MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
Mental health concerns and substance use often co-occur, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This study identified common patterns of their co-occurrence for adolescents receiving mental health treatment to inform best practices for this age group. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Individuals’ first experiences with substance use often occur during adolescence. Among adolescents […]
MORE PRESCRIBED ADHD STIMULANT MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOLS ASSOCIATED WITH RISK FOR BROADER STIMULANT USE AMONG OTHER STUDENTS
Youth who use prescription medications recreationally may access them through peers at school who obtain them through legal prescriptions for legitimate reasons including the treatment of ADHD. This study examined risk factors for the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants in high school students. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Schools are common points […]
THE “SWEET SPOT”? FOR ADOLESCENTS THAT ATTEND RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT, 60 TO 90 DAYS MAY BE IDEAL
Financial constraints and high demand for limited treatment space require programs to strike a balance between the most effective treatment that can be delivered over the shortest period of time. This study linked long-term data from a treatment program, the justice department, and hospitals to explore what length of stay is associated with reduced risk […]
Re-wiring young minds online: Can web-based cognitive bias modification reduce social anxiety and alcohol use among young adults?
Social anxiety and alcohol use disorder are two pressing public health concerns for young adults. For some, these conditions are both present and exacerbate one another, driven by underlying cognitive biases. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of cognitive bias modification to address co-occurring social anxiety and hazardous alcohol use in young […]
Cannabis use disorder linked with suicidal behaviors in youth
Cannabis use during adolescence is linked to a range of mental and physical health consequences. This study investigated if cannabis use disorder was associated with suicide and self-harm behaviors in adolescents. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Adolescence is a unique developmental stage that can be complicated and disrupted by alcohol and other drug use […]