Development of a School-Based Substance Treatment Model

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a school-based substance treatment model and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of treatment in a school-based setting to improve access to treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders. This study provided care to 41 youths (12 to 18 years old) in three school-based health clinics. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of individual motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, contingency management with urine drug screens, medication-assisted therapy, family sessions, and case management. Feasibility outcomes included the number of sessions attended, the Session Rating Scale, and qualitative feedback from patients (N = 41), therapists (N = 3), and a school principal. Preliminary treatment outcomes included the Timeline Followback Interview, a modified Outcome Rating Scale, and a questionnaire of school engagement. The average number of sessions completed was 7.4 (SD = 3.6), and the average Session Rating Scale score was 38.2 (0 = minimum alliance, 40 = maximum alliance). Qualitative interviews provided feedback to adapt the treatment model further. Youths reported significant pre-post improvements in emotional wellness, school engagement, and substance use. This study produced a school-based substance treatment model that is well-received by patients, demonstrated feasibility, showed positive preliminary outcomes, and is ready for further clinical testing.

Keywords:

• acceptance and commitment therapy
• adolescent
• motivational interviewing
• school
• substance treatment

Disclosure statement

The authors do not have any conflict of interest to report.

Availability of data and material

The treatment manual is available upon request. The data sets from this study are not publicly available to preserve the confidentiality of the research participants. However, they may be available upon request from the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the youths and therapists who provided valuable feedback to develop this treatment.

Additional information

Funding

The clinical service analyzed was funded by the Denver Health Foundation. The funder has no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis or presentation of the findings.