Homogeneous Versus Heterogeneous Age Group Treatment of Adolescent Substance Abusers

Abstract

The treatment outcome from homogeneous age group substance abuse treatment centers, whose clientele consisted primarily of adolescent substance abusers, was compared to heterogeneous age group substance abuse treatment centers, where adolescent and adult patients were treated together. Subjects were 100 substance abusers, from 20 states, who recovered in adolescence and had at least 11 months of continuous abstinence. A 24-item self-report questionnaire was used to ascertain the type of recovery treatment experienced, number of relapses, and duration of sobriety. Results indicated a disproportionate number of substance abusers who recovered in adolescence were treated in a heterogeneous age group clinical setting. There was no significant difference in the length of sobriety and number of relapses between the homogeneous and heterogeneous treatment groups. These data suggest adolescent substance abusers can be treated at a lower cost and with a higher recovery rate by placing them in adult treatment settings.