Profile of a Chemically Dependent Adolescent and Whole Child Assessment

• NCJ Number: 158696
• Journal: Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 11-18
• Author(s): L Acoca
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): SJI-95-11H-C-030
• Sponsoring Agency: State Justice Institute
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In order to assist in the development of assessment and treatment criteria for juvenile drug abusers, this article provides profile characteristics of the typical chemically dependent youth; accompanying each characteristic is a recommended approach for evaluating the related area of the adolescent's functioning.

Abstract

Most adolescent substance abusers are polydrug abusers, meaning they use two or more drugs consecutively or simultaneously. Assessment for polydrug abuse should include a comprehensive alcohol and drug use history, including age of first use, which drugs have been used, and in what combinations. This assessment should also identify which age-appropriate developmental tasks, such as the acquisition of academic proficiency, have been interrupted by the substance use. In cases of very early alcohol and drug experimentation and use, it is important to determine any possible linkages with child abuse, neglect, or other trauma. The family history of substance abuse, child abuse, and family violence should be ascertained. This should include the adolescent's primary caretakers and as many other family members as possible. Chemical dependence and psychiatric disorders often exist in complex relationship to each other. It is essential that a careful differential diagnosis of both problems be made in every case by a professional with expertise in both disciplines. A critical and often overlooked characteristic of this population is a high incidence of significant learning and perceptual disorders. Specialized testing that measures the strengths and weaknesses of the child's visual, auditory, and kinesthetic functioning, as well as memory, must be a central component of the assessment when a child has any history of school failure. Assessment guidelines are also provided for the following profile characteristics: gang affiliation, family history of arrest and incarceration, and strengths and resiliencies. Underlying principles for conducting a whole-child assessment are also discussed.