Ad Disclosure: Some of our MentalHelp.net recommendations, including BetterHelp, are also affiliates, and as such
we may receive compensation from them if you choose to purchase products or services through the links provided
One of the most significant factors in predicting the development of a substance use disorder later in life is the age at which a person first uses a substance.2 For those who begin using substances in their early teenage years, the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder is increased exponentially.2
An example given by the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that:
Ad
15.2% of people who begin drinking by the age of 14 will go on to develop a substance use disorder.
In comparison, only 2.1% of those who wait until they are 21 years or older will develop a substance use disorder.2
In addition, similar data from 2012 found that:
13% of people who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder began using marijuana by the time they were 14 years of age.2
While the numbers may be concerning, it is even more concerning to know that of the adolescents between the ages of 12-17 who are abusing substances, only 10% receive the services that they need in order to learn how to change the cognitive and behavioral patterns associated with substance use.2
Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health Needs
One such treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating adolescents between the age of 12 and 18 is Motivational Enhancement Therapy in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MET/CBT). These two modalities, when used together, target both the motivation to change the substance use behavior and the underlying thoughts and feelings that may be triggering the maladaptive substance use behaviors.
Teen Substance Abuse
A study conducted between 2012 and 2014 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse surveyed the use of substances each year by adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.1 This study revealed that on average1:
Many factors contribute to whether or not an adolescent will engage in the use of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs. Developmentally speaking, it is normal for teenagers to seek thrilling and new experiences and to engage in activities that are risky.2 The choice to engage in what is developmentally appropriate versus what is maladaptive often includes factors such as the presence of other mental health issues, the availability of substances in the school, community, and home, whether or not peers are engaged in substance use, and what the environment in the teenager's home has been throughout their life.2
Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MET/CBT)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a therapeutic modality that places the responsibility and decision to change on the client.3, p. vii The therapist's role in MET is to encourage the client to tap into their innate capacity to change, which the therapist facilitates by using a non-confrontational, person centered approach that utilizes active listening and empathy to help the client build and strengthen their motivation to change.3, p.13
In its standardized form, MET is a brief therapy that consists of 5 sessions.3, p. 1 A client can expect that the initial session, which requires a complete assessment battery to be completed, will take up to 8 hours to complete.3, p. 1
The 4 sessions following the initial assessment are 60-75 minutes long, and the first 2 sessions of the 4 can be done alone or with family members who play a significant role in the adolescent's life.3, p. 1
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), on the other hand, is based on social learning theory, which views substance use within the context of other significant issues and problems in a person's environment.3, p. ix In CBT, the therapist's role is to help the client overcome skill deficits and enhance their coping mechanisms so that they are better able to face high risk situations that could trigger a relapse.3, p. ix
The focus of CBT is to build cognitive and behavioral skills that will replace the outdated and maladaptive coping skills that lead to substance use and abuse.
This is done by helping the client understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all related to one another.3, p. ix
MET + CBT (MET/CBT)
Whereas MET builds motivation for change within the client, CBT assumes that the client is already motivated and focuses more on the external. Studies have shown that for this reason, CBT may be ineffective if used prematurely prior to establishing client motivation to change.3, p. ix
However, in the Cannabis Youth Treatment trial, when MET and CBT were used in conjunction with one another, they proved to be equally effective and less expensive than more intensive and lengthy therapy modalities.4
Evidence for MET/CBT
Treatment outcome research has shown MET, alone, to be effective as a short term treatment option for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years old who are being treated for alcohol and marijuana use disorders. MET draws on motivational interviewing principles that have been empirically shown to be effective in the treatment of substance use disorders. CBT, alone, is also an effective treatment for adolescent substance abuse.5 CBT may help address co-occurring mental health and conduct issues associated with substance abuse in adolescents.6
MET/CBT, as a combined therapy, has demonstrated success in reducing adolescent substance abuse in multiple studies.4,7,8
The Cannabis Youth Treatment cooperative agreement tested three different types of this approach: MET/CBT-5, MET/CBT-12 and Family Support Network MET/CBT-12 for efficacy.
MET/CBT-5 consisted of 5 total sessions (2 sessions of MET and 3 group CBT sessions).
MET/CBT-12 consisted of 12 total sessions (2 sessions of MET and 10 group CBT sessions).
Family Support Network MET/CBT-12 consisted of 12 total sessions, with the addition of family sessions (2 MET sessions, 10 group CBT sessions and 6 family sessions).
This study found that MET/CBT-5 was most cost effective and showed that the increased number of sessions "did not appear to offer any additional clinical benefit over the MET/CBT-5." 4
In order to receive the benefits from MET/CBT as described in this article, it is crucial to find a therapist who is trained and certified in this modality. Training and certification ensure that the quality and approach to treatment is the same no matter what provider you see. Below is a list of resources from organizations in the field of addiction:
Miller W.R. Motivational Enhancement Therapy Manual: A Clinical Research Guide for Therapists Treating Individuals with Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. National institute of alcohol abuse and alcoholism: project MATCH monograph series. 1995; http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/ProjectMatch/match02.pdf
Dennis ML, Godley SH, Diamond GS, Babor T, Donaldson J, Liddle H, et al. The Cannabis Youth Treatment (CYT) Study: Main findings from two randomized trials. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2004;27:197-213
Deas, D., & Thomas, S. E. (2001). An overview of controlled studies of adolescent substance abuse treatment. The American Journal on Addictions,10(2), 178-189.
Riggs, P. D., Mikulich-Gilbertson, S. K., Davies, R. D., Lohman, M., Klein, C., & Stover, S. K. (2007). A randomized controlled trial of fluoxetine and cognitive behavioral therapy in adolescents with major depression, behavior problems, and substance use disorders. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(11), 1026-1034.
Ramchand, R., Griffin, B. A., Suttorp, M., Harris, K. M., & Morral, A. (2011). Using a cross-study design to assess the efficacy of motivational enhancement therapy-cognitive behavioral therapy 5 (MET/CBT5) in treating adolescents with cannabis-related disorders. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 72(3), 380.
Hunter, S. B., Ramchand, R., Griffin, B. A., Suttorp, M. J., McCaffrey, D., & Morral, A. (2012). The effectiveness of community-based delivery of an evidence-based treatment for adolescent substance use. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 43(2), 211-220.
Additional Resources
As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services.
ReGain Online Therapy - Online couples counseling has never been easier, thanks to ReGain. Their licensed therapists specialize in helping couples improve communication skills to resolve conflict in healthy ways. Get matched with a relationship counselor today.
Teen Counseling Online Therapy - Teen Counseling is a leading provider of online therapy for teens. Teens can communicate with their therapist via video, phone, messaging and live chat. Find the right teen counselor for your needs.
Talkspace Online Therapy & Psychiatry - Licensed therapists and psychiatrists are available for virtual sessions via Talkspace. From virtual counseling to medication management services, Talkspace online therapy may be covered by your insurance provider. Simply fill out a brief assessment online to save $100 and match with a licensed therapist today.
MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from the above-listed companies should you choose to use their services.