What works in selective prevention of alcohol and cannabis use among vulnerable young people?

Background: Selective prevention tackle vulnerable factors associated to problem consumption and social exclusion. There are few effective programs in our context. Study aims were first to identify selective programs of alcohol and cannabis consumption for youths between 16-21, and second, to review intervention, evaluation and effects quality. Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google academics, EDDRA, SAMHSA, PBE and recommendations of PND were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: 1) English/Spanish programs, 2) publications <10 years, 3) target population 16- 21 years old 4) alcohol/ cannabis psicoeducational or socioeducational programs, 5) selective or selective/indicated programs and 6) evaluated programs. The description and quality of the intervention, its evaluation methods, and the presentation of its effects were assessed according to 20 criteria emerged from different recommendations. Results: Fourteen programs followed the inclusion criteria, 10 of followed minimum quality intervention and evaluation criteria, however only 5 shown significant effects. Effective programs tackled negative emotions associated to consumption, promoted skills to cope it and reduce frequency of alcohol consumption, but rarely cannabis consumption. Conclusions: There are few selective prevention programs, and different studies shown that they have intervention or evaluation weaknesses, but mostly about program effects. The most effective are: PreVenture, The Climate Schools: Alcohol and Cannabis Course, Programa TND, Keepin' it REAL and Weekend is coming.