Perceptions of Chronicity and Recovery Among Youth in Treatment for Substance Use Problems

Abstract

To explore how youth contextualize substance use problems and recovery, in general and for themselves, in relation to the commonly accepted chronicity framework. Fourteen focus groups were conducted with 118 youth in substance abuse treatment settings (aged 12-24 years; 78.3% male; 66.1% Latino) located throughout diverse areas of Los Angeles County. Transcribed qualitative focus group data were analyzed for major substance use and recovery themes. Most (80%) youth do not accept a chronicity framework that conceptualizes substance use problems as recurring and constituting a lifelong illness. Most (65%) view substance use problems as a function of poor behavioral choices or a developmental/social lifestyle phase. Youth perceptions of recovery tend to parallel this view, as most define recovery to mean having an improved or changed lifestyle that is achieved through making better behavioral choices (67%) and exerting personal control over one's behavior (57%) through willpower, confidence, or discipline. Other recovery themes identified by youth were substance use related (47%), wellness or well-being related (43%), and therapeutic or treatment related (14%). Findings highlight the importance of considering youth perceptions about substance use chronicity and recovery in making improvements and promoting new developments in clinical and recovery support approaches to better meet the needs of youth with substance use problems. Findings are discussed under a theoretical context of behavior change to provide insights for the treatment and recovery communities.