What’s the evidence supporting interventions for substance use disorders?

Understanding the effectiveness of interventions for substance use disorders is crucial for providing effective treatment and support to individuals who use drugs.  However, it can be challenging to keep abreast of the latest research and comprehend the implications. To simplify this process, NDARC has compiled the most up-to-date evidence on interventions for cannabis, stimulant and opioid use disorders.  The summary consists of “evidence statements” derived from recent systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials.  Each intervention's quality is assessed using a key that includes a star rating system. The number of stars reflects the available evidence's quality, based on Cochrane GRADE criteria. Additionally, the colour of the stars indicates the intervention's impact: green for beneficial, orange for neutral, and red for potentially harmful.

By understanding which interventions have been proven effective, neutral, or potentially harmful, workers can make informed decisions regarding the treatment and services offered to individuals with substance use disorders.

Go to NDARC’s “Interventions for substance use disorders: What does the evidence say works?”