Bonds and bridges: perspectives of service-engaged young people on the value of relationships in addressing alcohol and other drug issues

Abstract

This study draws on the qualitative data with 42 currently engaged clients of an Australian youth alcohol and other drug (AOD) service. We explore young people's perspective on the function of relationships in relation to the aetiology and resolution of their significant issues. Three relationship types are central: those with family, peers and youth service providers. Young people perceived that family and peer relationships were strongly implicated in their difficulties with AOD use, offending behaviour and emotional well-being. This is consistent with a strong evidence base for the effectiveness of family and social network focused interventions. The construct of social capital and its central metaphor of ‘bonding’ and ‘bridging’ offers a useful schema for conceptualising the function of the therapeutic relationship in strengthening young people's natural social relationships and assisting them to form new connections that may offer and new resources and opportunities consistent with their goals.

Keywords:

• youth service provision
• qualitative
• social capital
• therapeutic relationship
• problematic drug use
• psychosocial outcomes

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Helen McPherson Smith Trust in partial funding of this study, the support of the YSAS Board and Directors, and FebFast Australia's contribution to the research team. We also would like to thank YSAS staff and managers for their assistance in recruiting participants. Thank you also to Mark Furlong, Sarah McLean, and David Best, who have offered advice at various stages of the submission process. Finally, we honour and thank the young people who shared their experiences and stories.