Web-based interventions for substance use disorders: a qualitative review.

Substance use disorder is one of the most common mental health problems in the Western world with a significant contribution to the global burden of disease and a high level of unmet treatment need. To assess the use and effectiveness of web-based interventions for substance use disorders. A qualitative review of the published literature across databases Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, GrayLIT Network, and Web of Science using relevant key terms. A search of the worldwide web was also conducted using search engines such as Google. There were a number of computerized and internet-based interventions for mental health disorders including substance use disorders located; however, they are largely descriptive with no large randomized controlled trials of internet-delivered interventions for substance use disorders reported. While the literature on internet-based substance use interventions is sparse and flawed, the potential impact of effective intervention is considerable. On the basis of the limited research available it is reasonable to suggest that a demand for such interventions exists and there is a likelihood that they would be as effective as those delivered by therapists for the majority of less severely dependent clients. Further clinical outcome research, particularly in the area of brief interventions for alcohol use disorders and extension to other drugs such as cannabis and club drugs, is certainly justified. (c) 2004 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.