NCJ Number
122396
Date Published
1982
Length
66 pages
Annotation
Using the case history of an adolescent alcoholic named Debbie, a therapist at an adolescent alcoholism treatment center details the symptoms and diagnosis of adolescent alcoholism and the psychological stages that Debbie and her parents experienced during treatment.
Abstract
The test is designed to help counselors, teachers, parents, and other adults with the knowledge and understanding necessary to deal effectively with adolescent alcoholics. The observations apply to males as well as to females and to persons through 24 years of age. The discussion emphasizes the similarities between adolescents' and parents' reaction to the alcoholism and the reactions of dying patients to their terminal illnesses, as described by Elisabeth Ross. Thus, the psychological characteristics are discussed in terms of five stages of coping mechanisms: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages can occur in a variety of sequences and combinations. Debbie experienced all these stages and left her treatment before it was successful. Discussion of the therapist's role and 17 references.