Issues in Adolescent Chemical Dependency Assessment (From Practical Approaches in Treating Adolescent Chemical Dependency: A Guide to Clinical Assessment and Intervention, P 71-93, 1989, Paul B Henry, ed. -- See NCJ-118086)

• NCJ Number: 118089
• Author(s): J M Nakken
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Clinical knowledge of and successful treatment for chemically dependent adolescents are reviewed.

Abstract

Concerns of treatment experts include overreaction by adults to experimental chemical use by adolescents, the use of psychosocial treatment approaches geared toward solving problems that result while youth continue to use chemicals and get into trouble, and disagreement among professionals as to the appropriateness of diagnosing chemical dependency in youth according to the traditional disease model. Other concerns of treatment experts focus on whether adolescents should be treated separately from adults and the establishment of ethical standards for advertising adolescent chemical dependency treatment services. While definitions of chemical dependency vary, there is general agreement on several points: it is a disease with progressive and chronic symptoms; it is characterized by compulsive use of mood-altering chemicals; and it causes negative consequences in all life areas. Although behavioral symptoms in adolescents are different than those of adults, adult assessment tools are still used for the most part to assess adolescents for chemical dependency. As reliable, standardized tools become available for assessment, clinicians will rely on them with more assurance for diagnostic decisions and level of care recommendations. Motivating the adolescent to obtain treatment, however, will still be accomplished by personal interview. This interview process is detailed. 15 references.