Abstract

Studies have shown that youth tend to engage in dangerous and unhealthy behaviors, despite potential negative consequences. One of these unhealthy behaviors is different forms of substance abuse. In addition, research and studies have provided extended and detailed insight into the rate at which young adult substance abuse has negatively affected the youth themselves, their families, and the public. These effects are cumulative and lead to costly social, economic, physical, and mental health problems. This paper will present the option of using time-limited therapeutic approaches in treating substance-use disorders, the goals of these approaches, when to use them, components of effective time-limited psychotherapies, and an overview of studies on the effectiveness of time-limited psychotherapies in the prevention and reduction of substance-use disorders among youth.