| Research over the, past decade has revealed a strong connection between adolescents exhibiting symptoms of disruptive behavior disorders and those also meeting criteria for substance abuse or dependence. Although studies have found that as many as three-fourths of drug-abusing adolescents have a comorbid mental disorder, behavior disorders commonly go untreated in traditional substance abuse programs. Moreover, studies have shown that a diagnosis of conduct disorder or ADHD may intensify the severity of substance abuse among adolescents, while attenuating treatment gains and retention as well. This study proposes an approach to the treatment of comorbid adolescents which incorporates three of the most effective strategies for engaging this population (Brief Strategic Family Therapy, Multiple Family Group Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral/Motivational Enhancement Therapy) combined into one multimodal program. I hypothesized that completion of this multimodal program would yield a reduction in drug use and externalizing behaviors, and an increase in family functioning immediately following treatment and at a six-month follow up. Participants were 30 14- to 17-year-old adolescents mandated for treatment by the Cook County Juvenile Justice System, as an alternative to incarceration. Substance use was evaluated using the Personal Experience Inventory (PEI), Drug and Alcohol Assessment Addendum, and urine toxicology screens. Externalizing behaviors were evaluated using the conduct disorder module of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA-IV). Family functioning was evaluated using the Structural Family Systems Rating Scale. |
