A campaign to address risks of non-medical use of prescription opioids improved young adults’ knowledge and attitudes
Young adults have the highest rates of non-medical prescription drug use, including opioid painkillers. Public health messaging designed to educate young adults on the potential harms could be a useful public health strategy to reduce risky use and opioid use disorder. This study tested whether a mass media intervention designed specifically for young adults could […]
The dangers of drinking games in teens: Can online alcohol interventions help?
Adolescents who use alcohol commonly participate in so called “drinking games,” which substantially increase risk for negative consequences, as dangerous amounts of alcohol can be consumed. Given the link between drinking game participation and high-risk drinking behaviors, developing more specific interventions is key. This study tested whether an electronically delivered personalized feedback intervention could reduce […]
New lessons learned: School-based ADHD intervention during adolescence does not improve substance use during young adulthood
Young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased risk of earlier, risky substance use and for later developing substance use disorder compared to their peers without ADHD. Yet, timely ADHD treatment can help reduce risk for later substance use problems. This study examined whether a school-based ADHD intervention for adolescents improved alcohol and […]
Should I stay or should I go: Investigating characteristics of youth likely to complete treatment
Many youths with substance use disorder that start treatment do not finish. This study examined what characteristics of young patients relate to completing treatment in both community-based and residential treatment. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Substance use is the biggest risk factor for disease and disability among teens and young adults. There are, however, […]
College students less likely than general population to receive treatment
Alcohol and other drug use disorders are more common in college students and, for some, can lead to long-term problems. Yet, motivation for treatment is typically low in this group. This study examined prevalence rates and factors associated with treatment seeking. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? College students consume alcohol and other drugs at […]
Do the benefits of providing motivational incentives used in contingency management to stop youth cannabis use persist after they’re gone?
Contingency management is a helpful intervention for treatment-seeking adults with cannabis use problems in which participants receive immediate incentives (e.g., money) for demonstration of a given behavior (e.g., abstinence). This study investigated if a short-term cannabis contingency management intervention for young people not currently seeking treatment led to reduced cannabis use in the weeks after […]
Can adolescents be “in recovery”? Findings from a large state-wide study
One in ten American adults have resolved a significant substance use problem, and half of them identify as being in recovery, yet much less is known about adolescents in this regard. This study investigated the recovery status of adolescents. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? The impact of alcohol and other substance use on adolescents […]
Active strategies to enhance young adults’ medication adherence also reduce opioid use
The opioid use disorder medication, extended-release naltrexone, protects against a return to opioid use. Yet, it is often difficult to initiate and sustain use of medication, especially for youth and young adults. This randomized controlled trial examined whether an intervention consisting of multiple strategies to enhance medication adherence increased receipt of medication and improved opioid use outcomes among young adults after residential treatment. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? […]
Leveraging opportunities to address early substance use for youth in primary care settings
During adolescence, youth often begin to experiment with alcohol or other drugs. Early intervention is key to preventing substance use consequences. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is the recommended evidence-based approach to providing early intervention with youth seen in primary care, but this seldom occurs. This study examined youth substance use reported […]
Treatment plus…? What additional components sustain treatment effects among youth?
Adolescents and emerging adults have worse outcomes including higher substance use and treatment drop-out compared to older adults. Strategies sensitive to their developmental realities that are helpful in reducing substance use and the need for additional treatment can help but, little is known about what to add. This study examined whether different components added to […]