| Substance abuse and dependency are ongoing problems among adolescents in the 21st century. Adolescent treatment models based upon adult populations and development have not been successful for adolescents. Treatment methods grounded in adolescent developmental theory and adolescent experiences are being called for from the research community as well as the treatment teams working with members of this population. Very few studies have helped the research community and treatment teams to understand what is effective and what is not effective for adolescents in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) seeking treatment for substance abuse and dependency. The purpose of this qualitative, in-depth, audiotaped research was to explore the experiences of 10 young adults ages 21 to 25 years as they told their stories about the IOPs for addiction that they experienced as adolescents. The results showed a strong emphasis on (a) the relational aspects of the experience of IOPs, (b) aspects of the treatment and IOP content that were exceptionally significant, and (c) advice to newcomers coming into the IOPs. The study employed an in-depth, generic, qualitative research design of young adults between ages 21 to 25 years who had successfully completed treatment in IOPs while they were ages 15 to 18 years. This information will be the impetus for further qualitative and quantitative research that will assist in the successful treatment of adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse and dependency issues. |
