Characteristics of relapse following adolescent substance abuse treatment

Historically research has focused on the characteristics of adults who relapse following treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. The circumstances of adolescent relapse, however, have largely gone unattended. The present study investigated the relapse rates and characteristics of adolescent posttreatment drug relapse. Seventy-five teens and their parents were interviewed while participating in an adolescent chemical dependency treatment program and at three and six months following treatment. Results indicate that a number of characteristics of adolescent relapse, including rates, are comparable to those of adults. In contrast to adult relapse, adolescent relapses occur most commonly in the presence of social pressure to drink. Situational characteristics of initial relapse experiences were different for transient or minor relapses and adolescent relapses which lead to a return to abusive drinking and drug use patterns.