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

Abstract

Background: There has been an increasing concern for adolescent substance misuse. In response, researchers and practitioners have been devoted to identifying effective treatment methods. While peer group therapy is utilized for adolescent substance misuse, less is known about the effectiveness of peer group therapy compared to individual and family therapy in treating adolescent substance misuse. Objective: This scoping review aims to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to group therapy to support adolescents who misuse substances. Methods: Multiple databases were 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 was rated using the JBI Levels of Evidence framework. We extracted details on the type of and effectiveness of group therapy in each included study and presented results in tables and diagrams. Results: A total of eleven studies were included, and characteristics were summarized in a table and written detail. For each study, we noted: (1) peer group versus peer group therapy, (2) peer group versus family therapy, (3) peer group versus control, and (4) peer group versus no control. Most of the studies suggest that peer group therapy is a viable option for treating adolescent substance misuse. Conclusions: Given the popularity of peer group therapy for adolescent substance misuse and the lack of research, further research should be conducted to understand further the effects of various forms of peer group therapy on adolescent substance misuse.