Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Adolescent Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) represent a significant global public health concern, driving the need for effective strategies to reduce both consumption and its impact on quality of life. This scoping review examines current scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in treating adolescents with SUDs and identifies knowledge gaps to guide future research and intervention development of targeted treatment protocols. The scoping review was conducted by adapting PRISMA guidelines to broaden search results in databases, including studies involving adolescents who received MBIs as treatment for substance use. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings were organized into four categories: sociodemographic characteristics, types of substances and comorbidities, types of interventions, and outcomes. The direct impact of MBIs on reducing substance use and preventing relapse remains inconclusive, mainly due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and high dropout rates. While MBIs show promise in addressing the cognitive and psychological dimensions of SUDs, further high-quality research is required to confirm their effectiveness in promoting abstinence and relapse prevention. Future studies should prioritize rigorous experimental designs, larger samples, and standardized protocols.