Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Substance Abuse and Depression: A Three Arm Randomized Trial in Mexico.

Background: Web-based cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce substance use can be a useful low-cost treatment for a large number of people, and an attractive option in countries where a greater availability of treatment is needed.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of a web-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for the reduction of substance use and depression compared with treatment as usual, with and without a printed self-help manual.

Method: Individuals seeking outpatient treatment for substance use were randomly assigned to one of the following: (1) the web-based Help Program for Drug Abuse and Depression (n = 23); (2) an in-person session with an addiction therapist and use of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test Self-Help Strategies guide, followed by treatment as usual (n = 25), or (3) treatment ordinarily offered in the participating treatment centers (n = 26).

Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Substance Abuse and Depressive Symptoms in Mexico: Development and Usability Test.

Background: The development of Web-based interventions for substance abuse in Latin America is a new field of interest with great potential for expansion to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Objective: This paper describes a project aimed to develop and evaluate the usability of the Web-based Help Program for Drug Abuse and Depression (Programa de Ayuda para Abuso de Drogas y Depresión, PAADD, in Spanish) and also to construct a systematic frame of reference for the development of future Web-based programs.

Methods: The PAADD aims to reduce substance use and depressive symptoms with cognitive behavioral techniques translated into Web applications, aided by the participation of a counselor to provide support and guidance.