Adolescence, chemical dependency and pathological gambling

Summary

From a review of the problem of adolescence, adolescents from dysfunctional families, the nature and extent of chemical dependency and pathological gambling among adolescents, and the definition of that experience as addiction, it is clear that there is a growing need for concern. Treatment using a cognitive behavioral, relapse prevention model seems best suited to the adolescent addictive experience because it focuses attention on the primary aspects of the disorder while helping to address the adolescent's developmental needs. The key to successful treatment is contingent upon two interrelated goals: an accurate and comprehensive family assessment must occur; an indepth cognitive/behavioral assessment must be undertaken with the addicted adolescent.