Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use
Our work involves mental health promotion and the prevention of mental, neurological and substance use disorders. We support the expansion of access to affordable, quality care for everyone who needs it.

Brief psychosocial interventions

2023 updated

Recommendation(s)

 

Adults using cannabis should be offered screening and brief intervention. Brief intervention should comprise at least a single session, incorporating individualized feedback and advice on reducing or stopping cannabis consumption, and the offer to follow-up.

Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Certainty of evidence: VERY LOW

Adults using psychostimulants should be offered screening and brief intervention. Brief intervention should comprise at least a single session, incorporating individualized feedback and advice on reducing or stopping psychostimulant consumption, and the offer to follow-up.

Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Certainty of evidence: VERY LOW

For adults with hazardous cannabis or psychostimulant use, or with disorders due to  use of these substances who do not respond to brief interventions, referral for  specialist intervention should be considered.

Strength of recommendation: CONDITIONAL
Certainty of evidence: VERY LOW

[2012]

Recommendation(s)

 

Individuals using cannabis and psychostimulants should be offered brief intervention, when they are detected in non-specialized health care settings. Brief intervention should comprise a single session of 5-30 minutes duration, incorporating individualised feedback and advice on reducing or stopping cannabis / psychostimulant consumption, and the offer of follow-up.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Quality of evidence: VERY LOW

People with ongoing problems related to their cannabis or psychostimulant drug use who does not respond to brief interventions should be considered for referral for specialist assessment.
Strength of recommendation: CONDITIONAL
Quality of evidence: VERY LOW