A Communication Model of Relational Pathways Into and Out of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

This theoretical article traces one of the pathways of adolescent substance abuse from its roots in insecure attachment in childhood through ineffective relational mental models, poor communication skills, peer rejection, and the formation of antisocial friendships that lead to delinquency and substance use disorder. The model suggests communication skills training as a mediator and a means to altering this trajectory through changes to internal working models about relationships and the building of healthy peer relationships and recovery capital. This model focuses on communication as central to this complex process.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• attachment
• communication skill
• substance use

Notes

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