Adolescents with substance abuse problems require special treatment considerations. In a nationwide sample, 7 percent of adolescents met criteria for alcohol, marijuana or hard drug abuse/dependence, according to a 2000 study published by Dean G. Kilpatrick in the "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology." Treatment programs for adults may not be effective for this population.
Step 1
Train in the principles of adolescent development, recommends the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Step 2
Screen for substance abuse problems using a validated instrument like the Adolescent Alcohol Involvement Scale, the Adolescent Drinking default, the Personal Experience Screening Questionnaire or the Rutgers Alcohol Problem default. Use screening tools with caution, as they may not detect all problems.
Step 3
Conduct a diagnostic interview to determine the nature and severity of the problem, such as the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview, the Customary Drinking and Drug Use Record and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents.
Step 4
Assess the patient for co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Adolescents with substance abuse problems often have co-morbid mental health problems. Both problems will need to be treated in conjunction.
Step 5
Determine the intervention intensity needed depending on problem severity. Options include a brief intervention, outpatient or inpatient treatment or therapeutic communities.
Step 6
Treat withdrawal symptoms with the appropriate medication to prevent relapse and diminish cravings. Methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are used to treat opiate addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Nicotine replacement therapies and prescription medications bupropion and varenicline can treat tobacco addiction. Naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram can treat alcohol dependence.
Step 7
Don't treat an adolescent like an adult. Consider differences in development, values, beliefs and peer influences. Avoid mixing adults and adolescents in treatment programs.
Step 8
Involve family members. Successful treatment cannot take place in isolation, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Family history likely played a role in the development of the substance abuse problem. Consider family therapy, which strengthens communication and can decrease conflict. Work with the adolescent to develop an aftercare program to prevent relapse.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider age, gender, ethnicity, culture, family background and motivation to change when treating adolescent substance abusers.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: Alcohol Treatment and Adolescents
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
- "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology"; Risk Factors for Adolescent Substance Abuse and Dependence Data From a National Sample; Dean G. Kilpatrick, et al; Feb. 2000.
