Do family-based prevention programs work to prevent drinking in young people?

Earlier this year, a Cochrane Review was published titled “Family-based prevention programmes for alcohol use in young people.” The review looked at the effectiveness of universal, selective and indicated family-based prevention programs that aimed to prevent alcohol use or problem drinking in young people aged under 18. The review looked at 46 studies, with 39 822 participants. When comparing any family intervention with no intervention / standard care, the authors found that the family intervention had no impact on alcohol use. The authors also found only a very small effect with regards to the volume of alcohol consumed.  Overall, this review found no clear benefits of family based programs for alcohol use in young people.

Go to “Family-based prevention programmes for alcohol use in young people.”