The youth alternative solutions program: evaluating a hospital-based intervention for adolescent substance use

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Adolescent substance use (SU) is a significant public health issue requiring developmentally appropriate interventions.
• Nurses and mental health professionals need evidence-based programs for adolescents with SU issues.
• Hospital-based interventions can offer unique opportunities for addressing adolescent SU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Youth Alternative Solutions Program, a hospital-based intervention for adolescent substance use.
• To assess changes in alcohol outcome expectancies among adolescent participants.
• To explore the feasibility of a hospital-based SU intervention model.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study was conducted with 27 adolescents recruited from a Level I trauma center.
• Participants completed pretest, posttest, and follow-up questionnaires.
• The Youth Alternative Solutions Program was delivered as a hospital-based intervention.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in negative alcohol outcome expectancies was observed across the three study time points.
• The program demonstrated feasibility in a hospital setting.
• Preliminary data suggest potential positive shifts in attitudes towards alcohol use.

Conclusions:

• The Youth Alternative Solutions Program shows promise as a hospital-based intervention for adolescent substance use.
• Further comprehensive studies are needed to confirm long-term effects and broader utility.
• Hospital-based interventions may be a viable strategy for addressing adolescent SU.