Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: Evolving Policy at Federal, State and City Levels

• NCJ Number: 123485
• Author(s): T Ooms; L Herendeen
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Corporate Author: American Assoc for Marriage and Family Therapy Research and Education Foundation
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Background briefing report and seminar meeting highlights from seminar held in Washington, D.C., November 17, 1989

Annotation

This report provides background information and summaries of a 1989 seminar in Washington, D.C., in which four panelists discussed the needs of adolescent substance abusers and the new interest at the Federal, State, and local levels in improving adolescent treatment services.

Abstract

Participants noted that despite reported declines in adolescent drug use and abuse, significant numbers of teenagers need treatment due to their daily use of drugs and their use of more potent and toxic drugs than in previous years. They also noted the need for a system that includes assessment and referral prior to treatment, with early identification the crucial first step in helping adolescents. Strategies for expanding access to treatment include increasing Federal funding and modifying Federal requirements and regulations. The background paper summarized trends in teenage substance use, the factors and stages in adolescent substance abuse, policy and program goals, and treatment issues. 30 references.