Overview: Beyond Guidelines and Guidance--Psychosocial Perspectives on Treatment Interventions for Young People with Substance Problems in the United Kingdom

• NCJ Number: 215181
• Journal: Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 203-224
• Author(s): Ilana B. Crome
• Date Published: June 2006
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article reviews the treatment effectiveness for a range of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for substance abuse in the United Kingdom, with a focus on research regarding the treatment of young substance abusers.

Abstract

Currently, there are no definitive guidelines or guidance for the treatment of young substance abusers in the United Kingdom. While guidelines on substance misuse treatment are available, they are designed for the treatment of adult substance abusers. There is some guidance available for the treatment of young substance abusers, but it is largely gleaned from the United States research literature, which may not translate into effective guidance for the treatment of young substance abusers in the United Kingdom due to differences in the population and in healthcare settings. As such, the author concludes that the treatment of young substance abusers in the United Kingdom is “beyond guidelines and guidance” and urges researchers to evaluate traditional and innovative treatment interventions for young people in the United Kingdom. Research on the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment in adult populations has indicated that both psychosocial and pharmacological treatments can be effective. While these results hold promise that such treatments can also be effective in controlling the substance abuse of young people, it is essential programming is tailored to address the unique circumstances of young people. The lack of research on substance abuse interventions with young people is particularly troubling in the face of growing documentation of the association between substance abuse and psychiatric disorders in young people. Evidence further indicates that that psychiatric disorders emerging in childhood may continue into adulthood. Substance abuse interventions for young people may thus offer an opportunity to interrupt the continuation of psychiatric disorders throughout the life course. The author suggests that an observational study on young people who access substance abuse treatment services may be a good place to begin this research regime in the United Kingdom. References