NCJ Number
137954
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 23-34
Date Published
1992
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Evidence from the social psychology of leisure and recreation has pointed to a strong association between negative leisure experiences and substance abuse among adolescents. These authors argue that drug treatment programs should incorporate leisure and education counseling to stress the benefits of activities that require skill, provide an escape from routine, offer a challenge, and result in enjoyment.
Abstract
A fundamental rationale for using leisure interventions in substance abuse treatment is based on the idea of substitutability, in which changes among leisure activities are influenced by perceived competence or self- efficacy. An effective program would recognize the needs and motives for the substance abuse and design interventions that attempt to substitute for those skills and motives. Leisure education and counseling are designed to enhance the adolescent's attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors for leisure with the ultimate goal of improving his quality of life. Most programs focus on self-awareness, leisure awareness, social interaction, decisionmaking, resource awareness, and leisure skills. There are four basic areas to be addressed in developing this type of program: theoretical basis and program content, format, and length. 1 figure, 1 table, and 52 references (Author abstract modified)