NCJ Number
216249
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 89-96
Date Published
2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study sought to determine which adolescents being treated for substance use in a residential Therapeutic Community (TC) would support spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches as part of their treatment.
Abstract
Results suggest that the majority of adolescents endorse inclusion of Twelve-Step approaches or spirituality in Therapeutic Community (TC) treatment. Specifically, in the adolescent sample, three spirituality-related characteristics, perceived connectedness to others, frequency of prayer, and spiritual orientation to life were associated with preference for both spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches being featured in TC treatment. The findings are consistent with previous studies indicating that adolescents employ these interventions in outpatient and inpatient settings. Adolescents with early onset substance use are characterized by psychosocial maladjustment, high rates of criminal involvement, and require intensive substance abuse treatment. They are thought to have impaired psychosocial and spiritual development, which preclude them from employing spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches and spirituality in treatment. This study sought to determine which adolescents being treated for substance use in a residential TC would want spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches featured more in treatment. The study consisting of 181 adolescents in a TC program compared this sample to the adult cohort with regard to preference for spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches being provided in TC treatment. The participating adolescents completed a questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, substance use, spirituality related personal characteristics, and attitudes towards treatment. References