Therapeutic Communities for Adolescents

A study of the patterns and correlates of substance use among adolescents applying for drug treatment

“…For the 35 study participants who answered the SDS questions, the mean score was 9.3 (SD=2.9, range [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. There was no significant difference between males and females in SDS scores (t=0.…”

“…Studies of adolescents compared with adults in residential communities in the United States have been reviewed elsewhere. 7 Jainchill and colleagues reported that, relative to adults in therapeutic communities, adolescents were more likely to have been referred by the criminal justice system, to have lower motivation for treatment, and to have problems with alcohol or cannabis use rather than heroin use. Adolescents have also reported levels and patterns of psychological disturbance that were similar to those of adults in therapeutic communities.…”

Effectiveness of Residential Treatment for Substance Abusing Youth: Benefits of the Pine River Institute Program

“…The focus of this study is multidimensional residential treatment. The limited research on outcomes for residential programs suggests positive changes in psychological and behavioral issues, particularly for those who complete treatment (Jainchill, Bhattacharya, & Yagelka, 1995). Additionally, one study indicated greater reductions in substance use for residential than for outpatient treatment (Dasinger, Shane, & Martinovich, 2004).…”

“…Completion is not the norm in residential settings, ranging from only 10% to 66%, with a median of 25% (Williams & Chang, 2000), but is associated with treatment success. Compared to those who drop out, youths who complete treatment are more likely to be abstinent after treatment (Harrison & Asche, 2001), have greater reductions in substance abuse (Jainchill et al, 1995), and experience more social behavior benefits (Hogue et al, 2008). In fact, Winters et al (2000) found that treatment completion was associated with improvements three to four times the rates of non-completion.…”

Factors Associated With Motivation to Change HIV Risk and Substance Use Behaviors Among Homeless Youth

“…For example, Ramo, Prochaska, and Myers (2010) found that adolescents in a substance abuse treatment program reported significantly lower levels of motivation to stop smoking cigarettes than motivation to change illicit drug use. In addition, research has found that adolescent substance users may be less motivated to change substance use than their adult counterparts (Cady et al, 1996; Jainchill, Bhattacharya, & Yagelka, 1995)…”