NCJ Number
193618
Journal
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: 2001 Pages: 19-29
Date Published
2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the relationship between use of services and runaway youths' alcohol and other drug consumption.
Abstract
Runaway youths were recruited through two runaway/homeless shelters in a southwestern city. The youths' assessment included interviews and self-report questionnaires. Overall, alcohol use was differentially associated with use of services, although illicit drug use was not. Attendance at 12-step meetings predicted more alcohol use, while attendance at psychological counseling sessions as well as medical visits predicted less alcohol use. Many youths in this study engaged in help-seeking behaviors which included behavior change interventions and medical services. The study has several limitations which should be considered when interpreting results: (1) the cross-sectional design precludes conclusions regarding causality; (2) treatment outcome research with an operationalized intervention and several follow-up assessments is required to evaluate treatment effectiveness for alcohol-abusing runaway youths; and (3) results were based on self-report questionnaires and interviews, with no convergence from parents or primary caregivers. Table, references