Social Competence of Adolescents in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

ABSTRACT

While substance use disorder (SUD) is a multifaceted problem stemming from both genetic and non-genetic factors, one of the factors that might influence substance use in adolescents is their ability to interact effectively and build healthy relationships with others. Social competence is both a protective factor against SUD and, in its deficiency, a risk factor for SUD. To explore the link between social competence and SUD, the current study aimed to measure the social competence of residents of a youth treatment center and to compare the results to those of a normed sample. Addiction counselors completed the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales (HCSBS) on 54 youths in residential addiction treatment. Results showed that males were significantly more likely than females to be in the “at risk” category for social competence and, in particular, for peer relations. Implications for treatment are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• communication
• social competence
• substance use disorder
• youth

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Dr. Martine Lagacé for her helpful feedback and advice on the data analysis used in this article.