Treatment of Substance Abuse Problems among Adolescents

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
The Minnesota model
Cognitive Treatment Model
Multi-dimensional Family therapy
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The study involves an examination of the effective treatment models utilized in treatment of substance abuse problems among adolescents. It explores the concept behind the 12 step approach in the various stages of treatment. It also looks into the cognitive therapy model in the different phases. In addition, the research investigates the multidimensional family therapy model as an effective treatment approach. It finally concludes with a summary of the subject under examination.

Introduction

The abuse of substances among adolescents in society is unique in terms of probability of developing dependence (Muck, Zempolich, & Titus, 2001). Adolescents experience different effects as they adopt specific patterns of substance use coupled with the impact it has on their development. Treatment models are thus expected to match the extent of abuse effects so as to alleviate the problem. For instance, substance issues need to be dealt with through relationships developed among adolescent families and counselors. The counselor may be expected to discuss the importance of the issue with the family members (Trepper & McCollum, 2000). Effective treatment models also provide for sufficient duration as well as monitory so as to prevent relapse (NIDA, 2009). The objective of this research is to examine effective treatment models for adolescents in substance use.

The Minnesota model

The model aims at abstinence with the premise that substance abuse is an ailment that needs to be treated in the span of the lifetime of the adolescent. The model has been widely used in the US for treatment of Marijuana and alcohol abuse issues (Winters,et al 2000). The treatment involves various objectives set for a transformation on lifestyle and minimization of drug use in the three initial stages of the treatment. This is followed by five steps aimed at complete adoption of the new lifestyle and evaluation of previous inappropriate decisions that contributed to the substance abuse. Finally, the last two steps encompass encouragement to the adolescent so that the recovery is maintained throughout their lives. This approach also utilizes therapy conducted in groups, written tasks and exercises as well as counseling at the personal level. This is in addition to didactic sessions and classes as well as individualized attention as part of treatment (Key et al 2004). Studies indicate that application of the model requires motivation as a fundamental element for positive results (Kelly, Myers, & Brown, 2000). The model has been found to be beneficial in that it is cost-effective and applicable at the social level. This is due to the fact that it includes programs such as the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to address substance issues (Kelly, Dow, & Yeterian, 2010).

Cognitive Treatment Model

The approach takes into account the factors that relate to family and social cognitive elements (Curry et al 2001).Cognitive therapy additionally seeks to instill coping tactics that aid the individual in abstinence from drugs. This is due to the fact that substance abuse is regarded as a behavior that is learned and sustained by various aspects in the circumstance of the adolescent (Deas & Suzanne, 2010). The cognitive therapy model is at times combined with the Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) that consists of similar goals as in the treatment of marijuana use among adolescents (Webb, Scudder, Kaminer, & Kadden, 2000).

The model is applied in three steps with the initial stage involving a definition of the problem. The issues are then ranked according to severity into five levels as in fatal problems, physical issues and mental health concerns besides difficulties likely to interrupt the therapy program or the quality of life (Greenbaum, Turner et al 2008). The second stage implements the treatment program on the basis of therapeutic modules such as training and education or allocation of tasks. Finally, the model formulates appropriate methods for preventing relapse.

Multi-dimensional Family therapy

The multidimensional approach is also an effective treatment model for adolescents in substance abuse (Liddle,et al 2005). It entails a combination of various interventions including family therapy and psychology of development as well as psychopathology. The family plays a major role in the treatment process in terms of the decisions and behavior of the adolescent (Marvel, et al 2009). The model aims at establishing a relationship the adolescent and nurturing alternative ways of life besides imparting social and problem solving skills (Hogue, et al 2008). It also focuses on the impact of peers and family members. Other factors external to the family setting are also examined such as school activities and juvenile justice (Liddle H. A., 2010).

Conclusion

The study has established that effective treatment models in the case of adolescents are expected to meet the special needs of the individual at the stage of development. It is apparent that the Minnesota model is effective as it seeks to help the adolescent to abstain through the twelve steps. Moreover, the cognitive therapy model has been noted to work effectively for adolescents in its three phases. The research has further found that the multidimensional family therapy model brings about required results as it considers factors such as the roles played by parents, peers and the school community.

References

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Deas, D., & Suzanne, T. E. (2010). An Overview of Controlled Studies of Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment. The American Journal on Addictions , 10 (2), 178-189.

Greenbaum, P. E., Turner, M. R., Henderson, E. C., & Howard, L. A. (2008). Treating adolescent drug abuse:a randomized trial comparing multidimensioanl family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Addiction , 360-444.

Hogue, A. D. (2008). Treatment Adherence, Competence, and Outcome in Individual and Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems. Hogue, Aaron, Dauber, Sarah, Barajas, Priscilla C., Fried, Adam, H Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology , 76 (4).

Kelly, J. F., Dow, S. J., & Yeterian, J. D. (2010). Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. Drug & Alcohol Dependence , 110 (2), 117-125.

Kelly, J. F., Myers, M. G., & Brown, S. A. (2000). A mulltivariate process model of adolescent 12-step attendance and substance use outcome following inpatient treatment. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors , 14 (4), 372-389.

Key, D. E., Deskovitz, M., Hill, E. M., & Franklin, T. J. (2004). A Long-Term Family-Oriented Treatment for Adolescents with Substance-Related Disorders: An Outcome Study. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, , 21 (3).

Liddle, A. H., Rodriguez, A. R., Dakof, G., & Kanzki, G. A. (2005). Multidimensional Family Therapy : A Science-based Treatment for Drug Abuse. Handbook of Clinical FamilyTherapy , 128-168.

Liddle, H. A. (2010). Multidimensional Family Therapy: A Science-Based Treatment System. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy , 31 (2), 133-148.

MARVEL, F., Rowe, C. L., Colon-Perez, L., & Diclemente, R. J. (2009). Multidimensional Family Therapy HIV/STD Risk-Reduction Intervention: An Integrative Family-Based Model for Drug-Involved Juvenile Offenders. Family Process , 48 (1).

Muck, R., Zempolich, K. A., & Titus, J. C. (2001). An overview of the effectiveness of adolescent substance abuse treatment models. Youth and Society , 33 (2), 143-168.

NIDA. (2009). NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.

Trepper, T., & McCollum, E. E. (2000). Family solutions for substance abuse: clinical and counseling approaches. London: Routledge.

Webb, C., Scudder, M., Kaminer, Y., & Kadden, R. (2000). The Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Supplement 7 Sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy forAdolescent Cannabis Users. Web.

Winters, K. C., Stinchfield, R. D., Opland, E., Weller, C., & Latimer, W. W. (2000). The Effectiveness of the Minnesota model appraoch in treatment of adolescent drug abuse. Addiction , 95 (4), 601-612.

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