Differences in the self-reported reasons for adolescent drug use reported at admission vs. reported at discharge

There are several possible reasons for adolescents' alcohol and drug abuse. While genetic, social and cultural factors all play a part in influencing their behavior of using alcohol and drugs, their self-reported reasons may also offer insight into why they use. Adolescents reported using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate their emotional symptoms, due to peer-pressure or their desire to get high. However, it is not known if receiving treatment of their substance use disorders changes these self-perceived and self-reported reasons for use. In this study, we identified self-reported reasons for the adolescents' abusing alcohol/drugs at the time of admission to a drug treatment program and at the time of discharge from this program.

This is a retrospective chart review of all adolescents admitted to a long-term substance abuse treatment program in one year. A total of 86 charts were reviewed. Demographic information and their self-reported reasons for abusing alcohol and drugs at the time of admission and at the time of discharge were collected. Data was analyzed for significant patterns.

There was a significant change in the self-reported reasons for use by adolescents from the time of admission to time of discharge, suggesting that treatment might change their self-rated perception of the reasons for their use.

This study suggests that alcohol and drug treatment programs can impact the adolescent's self-reported perceptions about why they use alcohol/drugs.