The first main section lists 13 principles of adolescent substance use disorder treatment that include 1) adolescent substance use needs to be identified and addressed as soon as possible; 2) substance use disorder treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of the adolescent; 3) behavioral therapies are effective in addressing adolescent substance use; and 4) families and the community are important aspects of treatment.
Full Answer
What are the evidence-based approaches to substance abuse treatment for adolescents?
Research evidence supports the effectiveness of various substance abuse treatment approaches for adolescents. Examples of specific evidence-based approaches are described below, including behavioral and family-based interventions as well as medications.
Are addictions medications FDA approved for adolescents?
Addiction medications, while effective and widely prescribed for adults, are not generally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents.
Do adolescents in treatment receive care for other mental health conditions?
admitted to substance abuse treatment who have other mental health issues receive any care for their Page 8 conditions.13 Adolescents' drug use and treatment needs differ from those of adults. Adolescents in treatment report
What are the most effective treatments for adolescent addiction?
Whether delivered in residential or inpatient settings or offered on an outpatient basis, effective treatments for adolescents primarily consist of some form of behavioral therapy. Addiction medications, while effective and widely prescribed for adults, are not generally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents.
How to Use
Use the Table of Contents on page 4 to help guide your reading. Depending on where your family is on the continuum of needs, there may be specific sections of the guide that are most important to you.
Who Should Use
Parents of young adolescents (12-16) and parents of older teens/young adults (17-25) should use this resource. It may also be helpful for teachers/community support personnel to learn about specific considerations and treatment options for adolescent and young adult substance users.
Scientific Background
This resource was created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and is widely used by health care providers, families and others needing information on addiction and treatment.