Addictive Behaviours in Adolescent Boys: Developing A Low-Cost Care Model in India

Area of Science:

• Addiction medicine
• Adolescent psychiatry
• Public health

Background:

• Adolescent boys with addictive behaviors frequently present with comorbidities.
• India faces a shortage of free, short-term rehabilitation facilities for this population.
• Limited staff (two counselors, two nurses, with part-time specialists) necessitated a resource-efficient care model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive and cost-effective care model for adolescent boys with addictive behaviors and comorbidities.
• To adapt existing therapeutic and psychological tools for a low-budget rehabilitation setting.
• To address the challenge of limited staff in rehabilitation centers.

Main Methods:

• Screening and assessment tools were gathered from literature and clinics.
• Therapeutic and positive psychology activities were selected from adolescent workbooks.
• Tools and worksheets were translated and content-validated into the local vernacular (Malayalam).

Main Results:

• 41 out of 49 inpatients had dual diagnoses, most commonly conduct-dissocial disorder.
• 46 patients found the adapted activities comprehensible and acceptable.
• Frequent staff turnover was identified as a significant challenge.

Conclusions:

• An adaptive, low-cost, feasible, and acceptable care model was successfully developed.
• The model is suitable for addressing addictive behaviors and comorbidities in resource-constrained settings.
• Further evaluation in larger, diverse samples is recommended to assess acceptability and effectiveness.