Peer Group Therapy for Adolescent Substance Misuse Treatment: A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence, in relation to group therapy to support adolescents who misuse substances.

Introduction: There has been an increasing concern for adolescent substance use. In response, researchers and practitioners have been devoted to learning various treatment methods. However, while there have been studies focused on individual and family therapy, less is known about the effectiveness of peer group therapy in treating adolescent substance misuse.

Inclusion criteria: Studies must evaluate the effectiveness of group therapy directly on adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and implement group therapy for substance misuse treatment. The following group therapies will be included: psychotherapy groups (or group therapy), psychodrama groups, cognitive-behavioral groups, and psychoeducational groups. The studies must predominantly focus on adolescent substance use. Substances included will be alcohol, marijuana, vaping/tobacco, opioids, and illicit drugs. We will exclude studies that cover children and young adults. Additionally, literature on substance use prevention and family therapy will be excluded. Though family therapy is considered a form of group therapy, we will be focusing on group therapy among peers, not family members.

Methods: Multiple databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest using keywords, indexed terms, and phrases, for the following concepts: group therapy, adolescent, and substance use. Each included study will be rated using the JBI Levels of Evidence framework. Details on the type of and effectiveness of group therapy in each included study will be extracted, and results will be presented in tables and diagrams.