NCJ Number
127027
Date Published
1990
Length
262 pages
Annotation
Principles of developmental psychology and concepts of addiction recovery are combined in this presentation of an effective approach to diagnosing and treating youthful substance abusers.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that adolescent substance abusers have been sidetracked from normal developmental tasks by their involvement with alcohol or other drugs. In addition, their academic performance has declined, their socializing has come to revolve around drug-using peers, self esteem is low, and family relationships are at a breaking point. Treatment programs must address all these areas. The text presents goal-setting and intervention strategies that have been refined in settings ranging from structured residential treatment and day hospital programs to outpatient care. They can be applied to adolescents who are still in the experimental stage of drug use as well as to those who are habitual or compulsive abusers. Guidelines are given for counseling adolescents through the stages of denial, compliance, surrender, and recovery, with emphasis on the importance of individuation and on group treatment that develop positive peer relationships and build skills needed to prevent relapse. Work with the family is also explained. Case examples, chapter notes, and index