Indiana University Purdue University IndianapolisThis rapid systematic review analyzes the evidence for
substance use reduction through therapeutic interventions
and activities in adolescents between the ages of 13-25,
along with the potential for implementation in the field of
occupational therapy. Adolescents with substance use
disorders (SUDs) often have specific challenges regarding
their family interactions, cultural beliefs, school engagement,
and community support. It can be difficult for adolescents
with SUDs to successfully navigate their ever changing
lives, as they may also present with comorbid psychiatric
conditions. It is noted that throughout this review, many
interventions were the first of their kind and focused on
targeting adolescents within the contexts of their
environment. Many studies utilized specific techniques
aimed at improving adolescents’ intrinsic beliefs regarding
their substance use. Overall, low to moderate evidence was
found for the effectiveness of various interventions to reduce
adolescent substance use. More exhaustive research is
needed to evaluate the usefulness of these interventions, as
many were done in very specific settings with very
individualized populations. Moreover, occupational
therapists should be cautious before implementation into
practice, as none of the studies evaluated explicitly examined
the role of occupational therapy. More investigation is
required to determine how these interventions can be applied
to the field of occupational therapy.Occupational Therap
