This paper reports on the perpetration of serious violent acts by adolescents six months after entering a substance abuse treatment program. Two hundred and fifty eight adolescents were interviewed within 6 weeks of entering treatment and then at a six-month follow-up (90% follow-up). Twenty-nine percent of adolescents were female; 4% black, 17% other ethnicity/race; and 87% were ages 15-17%. Youth reported substantial violence exposure and perpetration in the 6 months prior to treatment entry: being cut or stabbed (23%); being shot (2%); pull a knife or gun on someone (33%); shot or stab someone (14%); carry a gun on at least 6 days during the past month (6%). Violence perpetration (threatened with weapon, shot or stab someone) declined from 34% of sample at baseline to 17% at follow-up. Multivariable analyses will be presented. From bivariate analyses, treatment modality at baseline, receiving family therapy, other mental health care, and attending self-help groups were not associated with rates of violence at follow-up. Reduction in alcohol and other drug use was associated with a decline in violence. Adolescents reporting declines in use, or abstinence, from alcohol, from marijuana, and cocaine, all were less likely to report violent acts after baseline. Furthermore, while nonwhite adolescents were no more likely to perpetrate violence at baseline, at follow-up their rate was twice that of white adolescents. Youth reporting gang membership and drug dealing at baseline were also more likely to engage in violence at follow-up then other adolescents in treatment.
Learning Objectives: Audience will be able to describe the relationship of treatment success and violence reduction among adolescents.
Keywords: Adolescents, Treatment Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.