Stage Model of Recovery for Chemically Dependent Adolescents: Part 2—Model Evaluation and Treatment Implications

Abstract

This qualitative study, presented in two parts, refines the model of how chemically dependent adolescents initiate and engage in the recovery process. Part 1 (published in 2004) described the research process and results used to derive the model. In Part 2, this model is compared with extant theories on stages of recovery in chemically dependent adults. Participants' stories in large part followed the stages of Stephanie Brown's adult-based Developmental Model of Recovery, but the intensity and focus of some issues (e.g., relationships) and tasks (e.g., separation/individuation) are different for adolescents than for adults. Consequently, the markers of entry into each stage, the focus of tasks within each stage, and the time required to traverse some stages and phases are different for adolescents. Treatment implications for the adolescent population on the basis of these differences are reviewed, and topics for further research are suggested.

Keywords:

• adolescence
• alcohol-related disorders
• psychotherapy
• rehabilitation
• substance-related disorders
• theoretical models