Psychological perspectives on substance use: Review paper

This paper reviews the evidence base on substance use from a psychological perspective, and calls for further application of psychological science in research, practice and public policy.

The paper focuses on:

• The history, effects and prevalence of substance use
• Harmful substance use in terms of addiction, intoxication, regular use, dependence and DSM definitions
• Applying biopsychosocial and stages of change models to better understand substance use
• The importance of preventing harmful substance use, early intervention, and risk and protective factors
• Assessment and comparison of interventions to treat harmful drug use, including psychological interventions (e.g. CBT, motivational interviewing), pharmacological interventions, 12-step programs, therapeutic communities and relapse prevention.

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