Interventions for Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorders in Youth

Designing effective interventions for adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) presents several challenges, not the least of which is the accurate diagnosis of these disorders. Diagnostic criteria for AUDs have been derived largely from clinical and research experience with adults. When these criteria were tested among adolescents, numerous developmental differences were found that may affect the applicability of AUD criteria to this age group. Despite the absence of clear diagnostic criteria for use with adolescents, research has identified interventions that show promise for use with youth. This article examines both environmental- and individual-level approaches to underage drinking prevention, including school- and family-based programs, and macroenvironmental and multicomponent comprehensive interventions. Finally, it describes brief and complex treatment interventions.