To date there is a paucity of rigorous research on the effectiveness of treatment for young people experiencing problematic psychostimulant use. Much of the research that has looked at young people has tested models developed for adult populations. Primary and secondary prevention programs are considered to have the greatest impact, although very few have been rigorously evaluated. Multiple, age-appropriate interventions are recommended over one-dimensional approaches. There is promising evidence for CBT and increasing evidence of the effectiveness of family therapy approaches and a combination of the two approaches appears most beneficial.

Generally clinicians consider that treatment interventions, while addressing any deficits, must acknowledge and build on strengths inherent in the young person and take into account the specific needs of young people. Young people using psychostimulants may require specialised care at particular times but generally they require the same assistance as other young people. There is a clear need for well-controlled studies into a range of, particularly psychosocial, interventions for young people using psychostimulants.