Write An Opinion Paper On The Best Treatment Approach ✓ Solved

Write an opinion paper on what treatment approach seems best

Write an opinion paper on what treatment approach seems best suited for adolescent substance use disorders treatment and why. You may discuss different treatment approaches, combinations of current approaches, or propose a different approach with supporting documentation. Include an introduction and conclusion. Cite in-text and in the References section with at least five different citations.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Adolescent substance use disorders (SUDs) present unique clinical challenges shaped by ongoing brain development, peer and family influences, and frequent comorbidity with mental health conditions (NIDA, 2014). Given the heterogeneity of adolescents who use substances, no single treatment modality perfectly fits all cases. However, research consistently favors approaches that are developmentally informed, family-inclusive, and flexible enough to combine behavioral therapies, motivational strategies, and medication when indicated (Henggeler & Schoenwald, 2009; Liddle et al., 2008). This opinion paper argues that an integrated, family-centered model that blends multisystemic and family therapies with cognitive-behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and appropriate pharmacotherapy offers the best balance of evidence, engagement, and real-world applicability for adolescent SUD treatment.

Why treatment for adolescents should differ from adults

Adolescence is a period of neurobiological maturation, identity formation, and heightened peer influence; these factors change the causes and consequences of substance use compared with adults (Winters, 2011). Adolescents more often use substances in social contexts, depend heavily on family systems for stability, and have lower intrinsic motivation for long-term behavior change (NIDA, 2014). Consequently, treatments that leverage family involvement, address environmental drivers, and build motivation and coping skills are particularly suited to this population (Tanner-Smith & Lipsey, 2015).

Evidence-based components and their strengths

Family-based and multisystemic therapies

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) are among the most robustly supported interventions for adolescent SUD and related behavioral problems. These approaches target family dynamics, peer networks, school engagement, and community influences—domains that drive adolescent substance use (Henggeler & Schoenwald, 2009; Liddle et al., 2008). MST and MDFT produce durable reductions in substance use, criminal behavior, and out-of-home placements by changing the multiple systems surrounding the adolescent (Henggeler & Schoenwald, 2009).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and skill-building

CBT teaches adolescents coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and ways to manage triggers and cravings. Comparative trials and meta-analyses show CBT produces meaningful reductions in substance use and improves psychosocial functioning when delivered in developmentally tailored formats (Tanner-Smith & Lipsey, 2015). CBT is particularly valuable for adolescents with co-occurring anxiety or depressive symptoms because it targets maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI helps to engage adolescents who are ambivalent about change by exploring personal values and discrepancies between goals and substance-using behavior (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Brief MI interventions increase treatment entry and retention and enhance the efficacy of other psychosocial treatments when combined with CBT or family interventions (NIDA, 2014).

Contingency management and incentives

Contingency management (CM) uses tangible rewards to reinforce abstinence and treatment adherence. CM demonstrates reliable short-term improvements in engagement and substance-negative drug screens and can be adapted for adolescents to include family-based incentives (Stanger & Budney, 2010). While long-term maintenance requires follow-up systems, CM is especially useful early in treatment to establish positive behaviors.

Pharmacotherapy when indicated

For opioid use disorder (OUD) or severe nicotine dependence, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine or nicotine replacement can be lifesaving and enhances retention (SAMHSA, 2018). Although pharmacotherapy evidence for other substances in adolescents is limited, medications should be considered case-by-case in conjunction with psychosocial treatment and family consent (NIDA, 2014).

Rationale for an integrated, family-centered model

Combining these components addresses multiple determinants of adolescent substance use simultaneously. Family-centered multisystemic approaches reduce environmental risk factors and improve parental monitoring and communication—critical predictors of sustained recovery (Henggeler & Schoenwald, 2009). Adding CBT builds individual coping and relapse-prevention skills; MI increases engagement, and CM accelerates early behavior change. Pharmacotherapy provides an evidence-based tool when physiological dependence or overdose risk is present (SAMHSA, 2018). Together, this integrated model is flexible, evidence-based, and tailored to developmental needs.

Implementation considerations

For maximum effectiveness, programs should ensure high treatment fidelity, clinician training in adolescent-specific techniques, and systems for continuing care and relapse prevention (McKay, 2009). Engagement strategies—school outreach, family scheduling accommodations, and telehealth options—reduce dropout (Godley et al., 2007). Trauma-informed care is essential because many adolescents with SUD have histories of adverse childhood experiences that complicate treatment (Winters, 2011).

Limitations and equity concerns

Evidence-based models often require resources (trained clinicians, home-based services) that are scarce in rural or underfunded settings. Adaptations and workforce development are necessary to improve access. Additionally, research gaps remain for certain populations (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth, justice-involved adolescents), underscoring the need for culturally responsive adaptations and ongoing evaluation (NIDA, 2014).

Conclusion

No single therapy suffices for all adolescents with SUD. The best-suited approach is an integrated, family-centered model that combines multisystemic or multidimensional family therapy with individual CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and selective pharmacotherapy when clinically indicated. This blended approach aligns with developmental science, targets multiple risk domains, and has the strongest empirical support for durable outcomes (Henggeler & Schoenwald, 2009; Liddle et al., 2008; NIDA, 2014). Effective implementation requires clinician training, continuing care structures, and attention to access and equity to ensure that adolescents receive the full benefit of evidence-based care.

References

  • Henggeler, S. W., & Schoenwald, S. K. (2009). Multisystemic Therapy for Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. Guilford Press.
  • Liddle, H. A., Dakof, G. A., Turner, R. M., Henderson, C. E., & Greenbaum, P. E. (2008). Multidimensional family therapy for adolescent drug abuse: Results of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(1), 26–37.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2014). Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. NIDA.
  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Stanger, C., & Budney, A. J. (2010). Contingency management approaches for adolescent substance use disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 19(3), 547–562.
  • SAMHSA. (2018). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 63. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  • Tanner-Smith, E. E., & Lipsey, M. W. (2015). Brief alcohol interventions for adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction, 110(9), 1404–1419.
  • McKay, J. R. (2009). Continuing care interventions for substance use disorders: What works? Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 32(3), 891–911.
  • Godley, M. D., Godley, S. H., Dennis, M. L., Funk, R. R., & Passetti, L. L. (2007). Preliminary outcomes from the assertive continuing care experiment for adolescents. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 32(3), 305–317.
  • Winters, K. C. (2011). Development of adolescent substance use treatment. Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 4(3), 217–225.

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