A Systematic Review on Aftercare for Youth Substance Users in Canada

ABSTRACT

In Canada, youth represent one of the groups most at risk for substance use and addiction. Many youth fail to receive adequate treatment and aftercare. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the existing evidence of youth aftercare programs in Canada. The authors conducted our systematic review according to the guidelines provided by PRISMA. Of the manuscripts reviewed in their search strategy, 4 studies met the criteria established. Despite several limitations of this systematic review, the need for more comprehensive and theoretically driven studies to examine the effectiveness and efficacy of aftercare treatment youth aftercare programs is evident.

KEYWORDS:

• Aftercare
• Canada
• substance use
• systematic review
• youth

Acknowledgments

Vera Caine is supported by a CIHR New Investigator Award. We are grateful for the support from Jean Chaw-Kant during the final stages of the manuscript writing and submission.