Treatment Approach

Treatment Approach

Psychology Today describes adolescence as the “teenage years between 13 and 19 and can be considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood” (psychology today, 2016). Transitioning from one stage to another in most people's lives can be stressful; this is comparing to an adult living a life of voluntary changes. People tend to stress over change; it's almost natural. Adolescence, however, they go through changes which are physical and psychological; they have no control over these changes; they are involuntary. These changes can start anywhere between the ages of 9 through 12 (sometimes even longer than that) it all depends on the individual. This time of transition for an adolescent can be a very confusing time and at the same time, very exciting. Issues of independence, sexuality, self-identity, school work, drugs, alcohol and social life may arise and become decisions that may cause stress. A major part of this transition is the feeling and behavior of believing you know what is best for yourself. Depending on one’s upbringing, social networking, family dynamics and whether or not they are children of alcoholics (COA); some decisions can be critical when it comes to fitting in and acceptance. Negative choices made do not have to be dealt with negatively, finding the individuals strengths and encouraging them to utilize them in a positive manner can turn recovery into a life changing, favorable decision. Motivational interviewing (MI) can come into play. MI is a collective intervention used for treating individuals with substance abuse. MI has been adopted with promising results used with adolescents and substance abuse. Motivational interviewing is based on open-ended questions as well as a strength-based approach and supporting the client.

Once an individual makes an adverse decision and starts using drugs or alcohol, assistance in stopping and coping may be necessary. According to Harris, Brazeau, Clarkson, Brownlee & Rawana, (2012); “the development of group cohesion within group psychotherapy is essential for the achievement of positive therapeutic outcomes, including treatment retention, abstinence from substances, and overall improved life functioning" (p.344). By utilizing a strength-based approach in trying to get adolescence to connect with others as well as themselves, this can show the individual that they are not alone, they do not have to continue living a life of substance use or abuse and whether they feel it or not; they are stronger than even they believe. A cognitive behavioral group therapy study was conducted on 36 adolescence from Canada ranging from ages 15 to 18 years old with substance abuse. Most participants’ self-identify as Caucasian as some native Canadian and black Canadian Participants' had completed five weeks of residential strengths based treatment for substance abuse. There were 18 males and 18 females.