Perception of social context and activity following participation in a physical fitness intervention during residential adolescent addiction treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess perception of activity and social context scales1 of adolescent substance abusers following participation in a physical activity intervention during residential drug treatment. The sample was assessed on entry to treatment, on completion of treatment; six weeks postresidential treatment and six months after treatment using mean, standard deviation, and t-tests. In general, the overall mean scores for perception of social context increased from entry to completion of the treatment program, decreased six weeks post-treatment, and increased when six months in aftercare. Some significant difference was recorded between entry to treatment and six weeks post-treatment (p = 0.04). The results relating to perception of activity increased from entry to completion of the treatment program, increased at six weeks post-treatment, and decreased to six months in aftercare. Some significant differences were recorded between entry and six weeks post-treatment (p = 0.02), between completion of treatment and six months in aftercare (p = 0.03), and between six weeks post-treatment and six months in aftercare (p = 0.05). This research hoped to illustrate the potential of physical activity as alternative leisure pursuit following addiction treatment to help prevent relapse for adolescent substance abusers by reducing contact with other users and providing a healthy and positive social outlet.