Program Reviews

SHADE (Self-Help for Alcohol and Other Drug Use and Depression)

Implementation research has been conducted for this program.

Program Overview

Computer delivered intensive motivational treatment for people with comorbid addictive disorders and depression.

Last Updated: 1/29/2025

Delivery:
Computer-based
Clinician-assisted

Theoretical Approach:
Cognitive Therapy
Behavior Therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Target Substance(s):
Alcohol
Cannabis
Multiple substances
Comorbid depression

Target Outcome(s):
Depression
Substance use
Hazardous substance use

Ages:
Young Adult (18-30)
Adult (30+)

Genders:
Male
Female

Races/Ethnicities:
Australian-born
Other

Setting(s):
Outpatient clinical
General practices/primary health care
Non-government support agencies

Geographic Location(s):
Urban
Rural

Country:
Australia

Language:
English

Evaluations

  • Kay-Lambkin FJ, Baker AL, Lewin TJ, Carr VJ. Addiction. 2009. 104(3):378-88. PMID:19207345.

    Summary: In this 3-month randomized controlled trial participants received: brief intervention (BI); random assignment to no further treatment (BI alone); or motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (MI/CBT). The MI/CBT condition was either therapist delivered or computer-based, clinician-assisted. Assessment was through self-report and therapist evaluation. 69% completed all follow-up assessments with comparable rates across conditions. The computer-based treatment delivered significantly better overall substance use outcomes than other treatments.

    Take-Away: Computer-based treatment (simultaneously targeting both depression and substance use) results in at least equivalent 12-month outcomes compared to clinician-led intervention.

  • Kay-Lambkin FJ, Baker AL, Kelly B, Lewin TJ. Medical Journal of Australia. 2011. 195(3):S44-50. PMID:21806518.

    Summary: In this randomized controlled clinical trial participants received either therapist delivered cognitive behavior therapy and motivational intervention (CBT/MI), Clinician-assisted computerized treatment (CAC), or person-centered therapy (PCT –control) over nine weekly, 60 minute sessions. Over a 3 month period, CBT/MI was associated with better treatment response than PCT; CAC therapy associated with greater reduction in alcohol use than therapist –delivered treatment.

    Take Away: Results support the use of integrated CBT/MI for people with depression and comorbid alcohol and drug use.

  • Technology-Based Interventions for Substance Use and Comorbid Disorders: An Examination of the Emerging Literature. Sugarman DE, Campbell ANC, Iles BR, Greenfield SF. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2017. 25(3):123-134. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000148

    Treatment of Depression With Alcohol and Substance Dependence: A Systematic Review. Alsheikh AM, Elemam MO, El-Bahnasawi M. Cureus. 2020. 12(10):e11168. doi:10.7759/cureus.11168

    A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Luo C, Sanger N, Singhal N, et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2020. 24:100442. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442

    Digital Help for Substance Users (SU): A Systematic Review. Bonfiglio NS, Mascia ML, Cataudella S, Penna MP. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022. 19(18)doi:10.3390/ijerph191811309

    Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Disorders: Is a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Appropriate? Magill M, Kiluk BD, Ray LA. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2023. 14:1-11. doi:10.2147/SAR.S362864