La comunidad terapéutica para los trastornos por uso de sustancias en adolescentes

The residential treatment of adolescent substance abuse is a growing interest area to explore in depth. Most of the few studies conducted to date have used very specific samples, so that the generalization of results is not possible. The aim of this study is to update knowledge about therapeutic communities and its effectiveness, taking into account the profile of young people admitted to treatment. A systematic review was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases. Additional references from the bibliographies of selected articles were also included to review. Despite the methodological limitations of the studies, the therapeutic community is effective in treating adolescents with moderate/severe drug consumption, who need an intensive, comprehensive and time-sustained intervention. To preserve the post-treatment benefits, and so as to prevent future relapses in drug use, continuity of care in community services is crucial.