NCJ Number
127793
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 95-138
Date Published
1990
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This study explores coping in high risk for relapse situations for 50 teenage substance abusers.
Abstract
Teens consecutively admitted to two adolescent drug and alcohol inpatient treatment programs in San Diego (California) were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study. Coping responses were elicited for both a self-generated and a hypothetical high risk for relapse situation. No differences were found in appraisal or coping in self-generated situations in which all teens abstained. However, in the hypothetical high risk situation, abstainers and minor relapsers were found to employ more problem-focused coping and appraised the situation as more important and difficult than did major relapsers. Teens who return to drug and alcohol abuse appear to have fewer problem-focused coping resources available, thus, assessment and instruction of problem-focused strategies during treatment may prove a useful clinical intervention. 4 tables and 31 references (Author abstract modified)