NCJ Number
213143
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 51-62
Date Published
2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to ascertain the profile of marijuana abusing adolescents participating in family-based therapy in the State of Florida between 1997 and 1999.
Abstract
Through logistic regression analyses, this study found that family-based therapy utilization was more likely among adolescents who were unemployed at the time of treatment, of White, non-Hispanic background, 13 years old or younger, living in urban areas, experienced in marijuana use, and with a comorbid diagnosis. The likelihood for adolescents to receive family-based therapy was not influenced by insurance coverage or gender. The clinical profile which emerged from the findings was that family-based therapy was not used as prevention or intervention but as an intermediate level of treatment or for secondary prevention of serious problems. In addition, experienced adolescent marijuana users with a history of prior admissions for treatment were those most likely to receive family-based therapy. It is recommended that future research examine other possible barriers to family counseling for adolescents, such as financing. Tables, references