Exploration of Female-Specific Clinical Programming for Adolescent Substance Use

Abstract

With an estimated 3.1 million Americans over the age of 12 having tried an illicit drug and 51.9% currently drinking alcohol, it is clear that adolescent use remains high and problematic. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of female-specific treatment for problematic substance use among female adolescents aged 12–17. Archival data from a community agency setting was used to compare the effectiveness of individual and group treatment for female adolescents with substance use problems. Results indicate that both individual and group therapies are effective at decreasing substance-related impairment and that group treatment is more effective than individual treatment. Limitations and implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• substance abuse
• adolescent female
• female-specific treatment
• individual therapy
• group therapy