Interplay of Psychosocial Factors and the Long-Term Course of Adolescents with a Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

This paper examines the association of psychosocial factors and long-term drug use behaviors (year-5.5) among adolescents with a substance dependence disorder. One group received treatment with a 12-Step approach (n = 159) and one group was on a waiting list (n = 62). Four psychosocial factors (deviant behavior, peer drug environment, psychological disturbance and family estrangement), as measured by a standardized self-report questionnaire, were examined as predictors across three time points (year-1, year-4 and year-5.5). Improved outcome across time was significantly associated with decreases in deviant behavior, peer drug environment and family estrangement. However, psychological disturbance was not associated with outcome. Also, we did not find an effect on outcome as a function of age, gender and race. Youth that received treatment, as opposed to the waiting list youth, generally revealed a more favorable outcome across time. Treatment implications of the study findings are discussed.

Characteristics of Students Participating in Collegiate Recovery Programs: A National Survey

“…In spite of effective interventions (Becker & Curry, 2008; Chung et al, 2003; M. Dennis et al, 2004; Tanner-Smith, Wilson, & Lipsey, 2013; Winters, Stinchfield, Lee, & Latimer, 2008), relapse rates are typically high (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2008). Post-treatment continuing support is effective at sustaining recovery (M.…”

Collegiate Recovery Communities Programs: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

“…Rigorous studies have identified a range of effective interventions for young people (Becker & Curry, 2008; Chung et al, 2003; Dennis et al, 2004; Hser et al., 2001; Kaminer & Godley, 2010; Waldron & Turner, 2008; Winters, Botzet, Fahnhorst, & Koskey, 2009; Winters, Stinchfield, Lee, & Latimer, 2008). However, as with adults (Anglin, Hser, & Grella, 1997; Laudet, Stanick, & Sands, 2007), post-treatment relapse rates are high and many youths are treated multiple times (SAMHSA OAS, 2008b).…”

“…Stress, negative affect (e.g., depression), social situations, temptations to use (e.g., exposure to/availability of substances), and academic challenges, all highly prevalent in youths' daily context, constitute key relapse `triggers" for that age group (Baker & Harris, 2010; Brown et al, 2008; Cleveland & Harris, 2010; Gonzales, Anglin, Beattie, Ong, & Glik, 2012; Jaffe, 2002; Ramo, Anderson, Tate, & Brown, 2005; Svensson, 2000; Winters et al, 2008). The substance use status of peers is especially influential, predicting youths' substance use behavior (Cimini et al, 2009; Godley & Godley, 2011a; SAMHSA OAS, 2009; White, 2008) and help seeking (Caldeira et al, 2009).…”

(De)constructing family

“…For example, Dattilio and Nichols (2011) do not provide an explicit definition of family estrangement but allude to the idea that family estrangement is emotional and involves a "family feud". Winters, Stinchfield, Lee, and Latimer (2008) suggest that family estrangement is the opposite of family connectedness and use measures that capture a lack of family solidarity, a lack of closeness, and a presence of parent-child conflict to operationalize the concept. These measures, although they could be appropriate, might not necessarily capture the estrangement experience.…”

“…Current research suggests that family estrangement has severe personal ramifications for individuals' well-being and proves to be a significant life rupture (Agllias, 2011a;Agllias, 2011b;Dattilio & Nichols, 2011;Winters, Stinchfield, Lee, & Latimer, 2008). In the case of parents and children, this might come as no surprise considering the parent-child relationship is considered one of the strongest relational bonds, and positive parent-child relationships are closely linked to positive mental wellbeing (Knoester, 2003).…”