Profile-Based Intervention: Developing Gender-Sensitive Treatment for Adolescent Substance Abusers

Abstract

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.

Treatment of Incarcerated, Sexually-Abused Adolescent Females: An Outcome Study

“…At the time of the initial intake at the institution, subjects who reported sexual abuse histories had substantially greater impairment in psychosocial functioning, particularly in the areas related to exposure to trauma (e.g., depression, disturbing thoughts, confused thinking, memory loss), as well as more serious prior criminal histories. These findings support the existing literature that has consistently demonstrated that sexually abused incarcerated females have high levels of depression, PTSD symptoms (Cauffman et al, 1998), family stressors (Williams & Hollis, 1999), and drug and alcohol abuse (Ellis et al, 2000). One of the findings that is of particular cause for concern is the high rate of suicidal thoughts among those who disclosed sexual abuse.…”

“…Similarly, women with substance abuse problems frequently report histories of sexual abuse (Dunn, Ryan & Dunn, 1994;Ellis, O'Hara, & Sowers, 2000;Gil-Rivas, Fiorentine & Anglin, 1996;Ladwig & Anderson, 1989;Miller, Downs, & Testa, 1993;Paone, Chavkin, Willets, Friedmann, & Des Jarlis, 1992;Roberts & Nishimoto, 1996;Rounds-Bryant, Kristiansen, Fairbank, & Hubbard, 1998). Additionally, sexual abuse survivors tend to use a wider variety of drugs than those without such histories, and the severity of drug use as an adult has been linked to childhood sexual trauma (Ellis et al, 2000). In general, incarcerated females are more likely than the general population of women to have histories of mental illness, substance abuse, and physical and sexual abuse (Henderson, 1998).…”

“…Youth were asked directly in individual interviews about whether they had experienced sexual abuse (e.g., "Have you ever been sexually abused?"). Often times, however, an adolescent did not disclose sexual abuse at intake (Ellis et al, 2000) but revealed the abuse only after rapport had been established with a staff member. In these instances, the resident was offered access to the intervention at the time that the abuse was revealed.…”

The Effects of Parental Acculturation and Parenting Practices on the Substance Use of Mexican-Heritage Adolescents from Southwestern Mexican Neighborhoods

“…Gender differences are an important factor in understanding substance use (Kulis, Yabiku, Marsiglia, Nieri, & Crossman, 2007; Dakof, 2000; Ellis, O’Hara, & Sowers, 2000; Freshman & Leinwand, 2000) and are key in understanding social phenomenon, such as drug offers and the resistance process (Moon, Hecht, Jackson, & Spellers, 1999). Both biological and socially constructed gender differences affect the developmental trajectory of adolescents, highlighting the unique risk and protective factors that lead to substance use (Guthrie & Low, 2000; The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse [NCASA], 2003).…”

Gender Roles and Substance Use Among Mexican American Adolescents: A Relationship Moderated by Acculturation?

“…Sex differences are an important factor in understanding substance use and have been studied extensively (Dakof, 2000; Ellis, O’Hara, & Sowers, 2000, Freshman & Leinwand, 2000; Kulis, Yabiku, Marsiglia, Nieri, & Crossman, 2007). While girls progress more slowly than boys to drug use initiation, once girls begin to use, they progress faster to addiction than boys when using the same amount of substances (Guthrie & Low, 2000; Kauffman, Silver, & Poulin, 1997; The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse [NCASA], 2003).…”