A Preliminary Examination of a Strengths-Based Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use Issues

Authors

  • Nicholas Harris Lakehead University
  • James N. R. Brazeau
  • Edward P. Rawana Lakehead University
  • Keith Brownlee Lakehead University
  • Dwight Mazmanian Lakehead University

Keywords:

Strengths-based intervention, Substance abuse treatment

Abstract

Adolescent substance use disorders are a major public health concern. Given the many challenges associated with treating this population, ongoing research in this area is imperative. The purpose of the current study was to provide a preliminary examination of the substance use outcomes associated with an adolescent residential treatment program that utilizes a strengths-based approach. The current study examined treatment outcomes in 61 adolescents (aged 14 to 18 years) who completed a 5-week strengths-based residential treatment program for adolescent substance use issues. Results showed significant reductions in frequency of alcohol and marijuana use from pretreatment to 3 and 6 months posttreatment, and in opioid use frequency from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment. In addition, changes in self-reported substance use goal progress scores indicated significant improvements in goal progress from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment; these improvements were maintained at 6 months posttreatment. Finally, depressive symptomology was also found to decrease significantly from pretreatment to posttreatment, and this decrease was found to be predictive of better substance use outcomes at 6 months posttreatment. These findings add to the literature by providing preliminary data that support the utility of the strengths-based approach in the treatment of adolescence substance use issues.

Author Biography

Keith Brownlee, Lakehead University

Department of Social Work, Associate Professor,

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Published

2016-04-16

How to Cite

Harris, N., Brazeau, J. N. R., Rawana, E. P., Brownlee, K., & Mazmanian, D. (2016). A Preliminary Examination of a Strengths-Based Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use Issues. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 50(2). Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/61065

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Articles/ Articles