ABSTRACT
Interventions for alcohol and other drug misuse can be effective in reducing substance use in young people and are associated with a range of secondary positive outcomes, such as reducing criminal activity and problem behaviour, increasing school attendance and academic attainment, and improving mental health and family relationships. There are some key issues that need to be taken into account when treating young people compared to adults. Young people are less likely to seek help for alcohol or drug problems than for mood or anxiety disorders and only a small proportion of people with substance-related problems attend treatment programs. One of the key challenges, therefore, is simply getting young people to attend a service. Responsiveness of the service and treating team, development of a good therapeutic alliance and family involvement in treatment are important in this regard. Individual differences in cognitive, emotional and social maturity, combined with environmental factors, necessitate a flexible approach. Many young people with substance misuse present with coexisting issues, including homelessness, limited education, offending behaviour, family dysfunction and mental health problems. The treatment plan should be designed specifically for each young person, taking into account these issues. Realistic goal setting, offering practical support, provision of aftercare and assistance when transitioning between adolescent and adult services are also recommended. This chapter describes how such interventions can be implemented within standard treatment settings.
