Third-Generation Therapies for the Management of Psychoactive Substance Use in Young People: Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION

Third-generation therapies (TGTs) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of substance use behaviors in college-aged adolescents. These therapies are based on acceptance, mindfulness and psychological flexibility, which enable young people to change their Psychoactive Substance Use (PSU)-related behaviours, develop coping skills to manage difficult emotions and thoughts, reduce experiential avoidance and maintain long-term abstinence.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the implementation and potential benefits of third-generation therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness, for the treatment of PSU in college youth. This review includes articles within a 5-year window.

METHOD

A scoping, observational and retrospective review was conducted using the PRISMA method in SCOPUS, PUBMED and Web of Science.

RESULTS

eight studies were found, six based on mindfulness, one on dialectical behaviour therapy and one on acceptance and commitment therapy. The results of the studies are promising and emerging for the intervention of the problem.

CONCLUSION

The interventions used show evidence of reducing PSU and other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. In addition, they allowed patients to increase their well-being and mindfulness.