The Impact of residential treatment upon substance abusive adolescents

This study sought to determine factors that are correlated with measures of functional adaptation following a residential treatment program for the adolescent substance abuse. The aim of the study was to determine if there were distinct variables which could have predictive value for success in treatment. Subjects consisted of a convenience sample of 31 post treatment adolescents who were hospitalized between June 1985 and January 1986. A variety of treatment modalities were utilized in the agency and 1 year of aftercare services was offered to clients and their families. A follow-up questionnaire was administered to monitor post treatment recovery and was utilized to assess functional adaptation in the sample. Chi-square and t tests were utilized to analyze the data and although statistical significance could not be established, several interesting trends emerged. The data suggested that the phenomenon of adolescent substance abuse is complex and that singular theories are inadequate to explain its existence.