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

Unlabelled: 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.

Method: 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.

Results: 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.

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