Effectiveness of Sport-Based Interventions in Substance Use Prevention: A Multi-Criteria and Causal Analysis

Effect of Psychosocial Intervention on Motivation and Coping Strategies Among Patients with Substance Use Disorder

Background: Substance or drug abuse is a significant public health issue, commonly impacts adolescents and young adults of both genders, and is the 4th leading cause of youth- related crime and disability. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of psychosocial intervention on the level of motivation and coping strategies among patients with substance use disorder. Subjects and Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted among 92 patients with substance use disorder (45 in the experimental group and 47 in the control group), selected using a purposive sampling technique. Pre- and post-tests were done for both groups using the Personal Drug Use Questionnaire SOCRATE 8D & brief cope questionnaire. Psychosocial intervention was given only to the experimental group. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to evaluate the effect using SPSS version 21 at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The study results reveal that in the experimental group, 24.4% of subjects had a very high level of motivation, and in post-intervention, it increased to 86.7%, which is very high in comparison to the control group (34%). In response to coping, in the experimental pre-test group, 20% had poor coping, whereas in the control group, 19% had poor coping; after the intervention, all subjects developed good coping in both the experimental and control groups. Hence, it is suggestive that psychosocial intervention has a positive impact on the level of motivation and coping among patients with substance use disorder. The experimental group showed significant enhancements in the level of motivation and coping strategies in comparison to the control group following the intervention. Psychosocial intervention showed statistically significant differences in level of motivation (t (90) = 7.39, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.54) and coping (t(90) = 9.04, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.88), indicating very large effect sizes. No significant association was found between outcome variables and selected socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusions: The psychosocial intervention was effective in improving motivation and coping strategies among patients with substance use disorders.

[Impact of an indicated prevention program on risk behaviors among adolescents at psychosocial risk].

BACKGROUND Indicated prevention targeting adolescents at psychosocial risk is a public health priority, yet evidence on its effectiveness in Spain remains limited. This study evaluates the impact of a preventive program on personality traits, personal competencies, psychopathological symptoms, cannabis use, and other risk behaviors. METHODS A quasi-experimental design with three assessment points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up) was used. Participants were adolescents recruited though the Suspertu Programme of Fundación Proyecto Hombre Navarra between March 2014 and June 2017. Validated instruments assessing personality, psychopathology, and risk behaviors were administered. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures general linear models, effect sizes were estimated using Cohen's d. RESULTS The sample comprised 61 adolescents (44 males, 72.1%), with a mean age of 16.7 years (SD = 2.0). Statistically significant changes were observed in personality variables and improvements in personal competencies, including self-esteem, self-efficacy, planning, and decision-making. Significant improvements were also observed across all Symptom Checklist-90-Revised dimensions at both post-intervention and follow-up. Daily cannabis use decreased from 45.5% to 4.5% among males and from 37.5% to 18.8% among females. A general reduction in other risk behaviors was also observed. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the effectiveness of the Suspertu Programme as an indicated prevention intervention, with positive effects maintained at three-month follow-up. The findings also underscore the importance of considering sex as a potential differentiating factor when designing and implementation indicated prevention programs.

IMPACT OF PROXIMAL RELATIONSHIPS ON DRUG USE: A STUDY IN THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES

Drug use is an ancient practice, but its associated disorders represent a contemporary public health challenge. This study investigates the impact of proximal processes in childhood/adolescence and adulthood on substance use, focusing on the role of Therapeutic Communities (TCs). Using a qualitative methodology, 19 residents of TCs in the state of Rio de Janeiro were interviewed. Instruments included a screening test (ASSIST), a sociodemographic inventory, and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis of the interviews was supported by the Requalify.ai software, which proved to be an efficient tool for categorizing and visualizing qualitative data. Results indicate that factors such as dysfunctional family environments, violence, and early onset of consumption, often mediated by peer influence, are determining risk factors. On the other hand, peer social support within TCs emerges as a crucial protective factor, associated with positive changes reported by participants. The sample revealed an overrepresentation of Black and Brown individuals, highlighting the racial dimension in the history of drug use in Brazil. The study concludes that proximal relationships are decisive in both the etiology and recovery of substance use disorders, and that TCs, although controversial, can offer a supportive environment that favors change, especially through peer support and cohabitation.

The role of physical activity in shaping the relationship between alcohol use and anxiety and depression symptoms: Findings from a U.S. nationwide cohort

Psychosocial correlates of performance-enhancing substance use intentions and prevention needs among recreational gym users: a theory-informed mixed-methods study

Performance-enhancing substance (PES) use is a potential public health concern in recreational fitness. Research suggests that use among recreational gym users is associated with psychosocial factors, gym culture, and peer norms. This study examined associations of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, selected Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, knowledge, and risk acceptance with PES-use intentions and explored prevention needs using a mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey included 772 recreational gym users in Germany; 29.4% reported ever or current use of at least one of six assessed PES categories. Quantitative analyses examined TPB constructs, HBM-related constructs, knowledge, and risk acceptance. Qualitative data comprised 542 open-ended responses on prevention preferences. Subjective norms and lower perceived behavioral control over avoiding PES showed the strongest associations with higher PES-use intention. Greater knowledge was associated with lower intention, whereas higher risk acceptance, greater perceived benefits of PES use, and lower self-efficacy to resist PES were associated with higher intention. None of the examined psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the ever/current PES-use indicator. Qualitative findings emphasized credible information, peer-based support, and preferences for gym-based prevention approaches. Psychosocial factors were associated with variation in PES-use intentions among recreational gym users. Prevention development may consider social norms, perceived control over avoiding PES, resistance self-efficacy, knowledge, and preferences for credible, context-sensitive information. Given the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations and as hypothesis-generating evidence for future prevention research.

The effect of exercise motivation on levels of individual and social responsibility among young adolescents

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exercise motivation on individual and social responsibility levels among early adolescents. The research was conducted using a correlational survey design, one of the quantitative research methods. The study sample consisted of 297 adolescent students enrolled in schools in Kahramanmaraş during the 2025–2026 academic year and selected through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Exercise Motivation Attitude Scale, and the Individual and Social Responsibility Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed significant gender-based differences in the “Positive Perspective and Health” and “Physical Appearance and Health” sub-dimensions of exercise motivation in favor of male students, whereas no significant differences were found in the “Negative Attitudes and Thoughts” dimension or in individual and social responsibility levels. No significant differences were observed in exercise motivation or responsibility levels according to income level. Students who regularly participated in sports demonstrated significantly higher scores in the positive dimensions of exercise motivation as well as in individual and social responsibility compared to their non-participating peers. Correlation analysis indicated positive and significant relationships between all dimensions of exercise motivation and individual and social responsibility. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that exercise motivation was a significant predictor of individual and social responsibility. Among the sub-dimensions, “Physical Appearance and Health” emerged as the strongest predictor of responsibility levels. In conclusion, exercise motivation appears to be an important psychosocial factor that supports the development of individual and social responsibility among early adolescents. Interventions and programs designed to enhance exercise motivation and encourage regular participation in physical activity may contribute positively to the development of responsible behaviors during adolescence.