The report, "Promoting Positive Mental and Emotional Health in Teens: Some Lessons from Research," found that mental-health programs that use comprehensive, integrated approaches are most effective in preventing alcohol and other drug addiction.

"From our review, the research shows that there may not be a 'single bullet' for addressing all of the mental and emotional health issues that teens face," said Kristin A. Moore, Ph.D., president and senior scholar at Child Trends. "Just as many of these problems may stem from a number of influences, like a teen's family and environment, a number of prevention and treatment strategies may be needed."

The report found that multi-component strategies that address individual, family, peer, neighborhood, and school factors work best in preventing alcohol and other drug addiction. School and community-based family programs that strengthen family bonds and teach children skills for personal growth and communication are especially effective.

The report was based on a review of more than 300 research studies on the mental health and well-being of teens.

Child Trends is a nonprofit research group committed to studying children and their families through research and by providing science-based information to the public.

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