Objective
To identify differential treatment profiles between genders among adolescent substance abusers and make treatment recommendations based on those profiles, if identified.
Method
The sample included 137 adolescents in a residential treatment facility. Psychosocial Problems and problem behaviors were examined using a cluster analysis of 23 variables. When differential profiles were identified, the literature was reviewed for treatment implications. Results: Important implications for treatment based on the profiles were identified and discussed.
Conclusions
The current study suggests that treatment for adolescent substance abusers should have different characteristics for each gender. The findings have important implications for micro, policy, and research practitioners.
Substance abuse among women is a significant national problem. Historically, the treatment of this condition has been difficult, but it has been even more challenging when the woman in treatment has had children. This article reports the results of an evaluation of the Susan B. Anthony Center (SBAC), a residential treatment facility for recovering women and their children. Researchers studied outcomes for 41 women who were first treated in a detoxification program, then referred to either SBAC or a day treatment program. Although random assignment to groups was not possible, the groups were comparable on four major demographic variables. The SBAC groups reported better outcomes on three psychosocial variables: abstinence, arrest, and employment. They improved their total score on the Functional Assessment Rating Scale substantially more than did the comparison group. Consumer satisfaction was also high.
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