Intervention Principles and Practice Guidelines for - Underage ...

Engage and Retain Youth and Young Adults in Treatment
For youth and young adults who are diagnosed with a substance abuse problem, the longer they
participate in substance abuse treatment programs, the greater the likelihood that the treatment will
be effective. Therefore, programs should implement strategies to engage and retain them in treatment.
Strategies that may be helpful in treatment retention include (Brannigan et al., 2004):
• Using motivational interviewing and implementing other motivational techniques.
• Giving positive reinforcement.
• Developing trusting relationships between youth and therapists.
• Helping youth address specific life problems they encounter.
• Engaging parents.
• Providing good case management.
• Qualified Staff
Staff providing alcohol treatment for youth and young adults must possess a broad range of
knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Among the most vital assets of treatment staff are (Brannigan et al.,
2004):
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Knowledge of and ability to recognize psychiatric problems.
• Ability to work effectively with families.
• Knowledge and skill in working with youth with delinquency problems.
• Understanding of and ability to work with those with learning problems.
• Positive, caring attitudes.
• Professional training and credentials.
• Gender and Cultural Competence
Both the precipitating factors and the experience of underage drinking are likely to be different
for males and females and among those from different cultural groups. There is a high correlation
between childhood trauma—especially sexual abuse—and chemical use by girls and women. Girls
are more likely to be the victims of sexual abuse and experience abuse over a longer period than
boys. Besides the connection with previous abuse, girls are also likely to begin alcohol use in dating
relationships. Further, girls often use alcohol as a means of self-medicating troubling feelings and
emotional states. On the other hand, boys are more likely to begin alcohol use with their male peers.
Boys often use alcohol as a rite of passage and as a means to increase pleasure and excitement.
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