NCJ Number
126328
Date Published
1990
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Adolescent drug abuse is discussed in terms of its nature and treatment and the treatment programs currently available.
Abstract
Six percent of high school seniors in the United States are daily users of either alcohol or marijuana, and the majority of adolescents coming to treatment use more than one illegal substance. Adolescents use drugs because they are often readily available, provide a quick and cheap way to feel good, offer a means of gaining acceptance in peer relationships, and may help reduce disturbing emotions or relieve tension. Although most teenage experimenters will not become habitual users or require treatment for drug-related problems, many will. Adolescents with serious drug problems tended to come from families in which parents are perceived to have a relatively less influence than peers, to have more approving attitudes toward drug use, and to provide less love and support. Treatment usually has to be drug-free. Successful programs treat large numbers of adolescents, have a special school for school dropouts, provide special services such as vocational counseling and recreational services, and are perceived by clients as allowing and encouraging free expression and spontaneous action by clients. Two outstanding treatment programs for adolescent drug abusers are The Door and Straight, Inc. 24 reference notes