Addressing substance abuse and depression online. An example of eHealth innovation

As in many countries substance abuse is increasing in Mexico, but treatment alternatives are still scarce. The coexistence of substance abuse and other mental health disorders is frequently observed; internalizing disturbances, such as anxiety and depression, are well-established precursors of adolescent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse. The potential use of the internet is being explored in order to expand the availability of treatment, to integrate eHealth strategies into everyday clinical practice and its efficacy and effectiveness. According to this trend, the present project is aimed at: a) developing a self-help online intervention to reduce substance abuse and depression symptoms, b) evaluating its usability through a pilot test, and c) evaluating its efficacy through a pilot controlled trial. The intervention is based on face to face cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) programs that have proved to be effective among the Mexican population. The depression component derives from an existing online intervention: Ayuda para la depresión developed at the National Institute of Psychiatry. It is intended to be delivered by Internet with low monitoring by substance abuse specialists, and it will be participant-tailored according to gender, substance preferred, risk level and depression symptoms. We expect this intervention will contribute to overcome treatment barriers by increasing availability, reducing stigma, shortening distances, and cutting down treatment costs.