NCJ Number
158698
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 23-31
Date Published
1995
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This developmental model for chemically dependent adolescents is based in Brown's Developmental Model of Recovery, with modifications tailored to the distinctive needs of chemically dependent adolescents.
Abstract
The Adolescent Treatment Model described in this article includes four developmental phases. Each phase includes clearly described individual, group, and family tasks, as well as developmental milestones that must be reached. The immediate goal of treatment is to move the adolescent from the Orientation Phase (which corresponds to Brown's drinking/using phase), into phases I and II (which correspond to Brown's transition and early recovery phases). Phase III, which corresponds to Brown's ongoing recovery, involves the integration of the adolescent's recovery and life skills, as well as the initiation of a life-long personal recovery program. Before program completion, participants must have stopped using chemicals and have made the transition from a drug-using "tribe" to a sober "tribe." The involvement of parents throughout the treatment and recovery process is crucial to treatment effectiveness. In addition to the structured recovery and therapeutic program, adolescents must have health care, basic and remedial education, job training and placement, and other supports if they are going to sustain recovery. This treatment model can be incorporated into a wide variety of settings.