NCJ Number
235936
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2011 Pages: 419-427
Date Published
July 2011
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This ethnographic study of the experiences of adolescents with substance-use problems in a therapeutic community in Australia focuses on relationships among residents during both formal and informal program time, and implications are drawn for other treatment programs for adolescents.
Abstract
The study found that strong bonds were formed among residents over time, particularly among some of the girls, whose friendships tended to develop into cliques. Although such social interaction may cultivate a sense of belonging within the treatment community, it also led to conflict, bullying, and ostracism that are often played out in group therapy sessions. The study also documented the residents' "talk" about sex and their sexual frustrations. Notably, over time some of the female residents talked about their clandestine experiences that included sexual encounters with other girls and boys in the program. These encounters were determined to have created tension and conflict among residents. Some residents expressed their willingness to discharge themselves from the program, either "for sex" or as a result of the conflict sexual relationships caused within the treatment community. The study concludes that the development of positive non-sexual relationships is important for treatment success, particularly for girls. Future research should focus on the mediating impact of peer relationships on treatment effectiveness within therapeutic communities, including sexual relationships. This ethnographic study was undertaken in 2006, with participant observation central to the research, combined with informal resident interviews. Participant observation occurred over 4 months, with an average of 8-10 hours a day at the site. 21 residents (15 boys and 6 girls ages 14-18) participated in the study. 1 table and 31 references