PROBLEM: Understanding of the pretreatment characteristics of drug-dependent adolescents to better match clients to treatment models that serve their needs for successful recovery.METHODS: A random sample of (N = 91) clients records were selected for this outcomes pilot. Chi-square analysis examined differences between groups and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined which variables best predicted completion status.FINDINGS: Several admission variables were associated with noncompletion and included: fire setting, sex for drugs, or addicted parents. Variables associated with completion included: first time admission to treatment or referral to treatment by peer.CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that adolescents admitted to treatment with preexisting major depression might have unique treatment needs. Peer education treatment referral systems may be viable ways to encourage adolescents with drug-dependency problems to seek treatment.
Adolescent Alcoholism