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Treatment Staff Referrals, Participation Expectations, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Adolescent Involvement in Twelve-Step Groups.

Authors :
Kelly, John F.
Yeterian, Julie D.
Myers, Mark G.
Source :
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. 2008, Vol. 26 Issue 4, p427-449. 23p. 6 Charts.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

Adolescents treated for substance use disorders (SUDs) appear to benefit from participation in Alcoholics Anonymous/ Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA). However, as compared with adults, fewer adolescents attend, and those who do attend do so less intensively and discontinue sooner. It is unknown whether this disparity is due to a lowered expectation for youth participation by the clinicians treating them, as they may adapt the adult-based model to fit a less-dependent cohort, or whether recommendations are similar to those of clinicians who work with adults and other factors are responsible. All clinical staff (N = 114) at 5 adolescent programs (3 residential, 2 outpatient) were surveyed anonymously about referral practices and other beliefs about 12-step groups. Staff rated AA/NA participation as very important and helpful adolescent recovery and referral rates were uniformly high (M = 86%, SD = 28%). Desired participation frequency was over 3 times per week. The theoretical orientation and level of care of the programs influenced some results. Findings suggest lower adolescent participation in 12-step groups is not due to a lack of clinician enthusiasm or referrals, but appears to be due to other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
07347324
Volume :
26
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35138373
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/07347320802347053