Alcohol Treatment Goal Choice Predicts Longitudinal Drinking Outcomes in Adolescent Substance Users

ABSTRACT

Social cognitive theory suggests when individuals select their own goals, they work harder to achieve them and experience increases in self-efficacy. Research in adults with alcohol use disorder supports the utility of treatment goal choice in predicting longitudinal outcomes; a total abstinence (TA) goal choice has been associated with better clinical outcomes versus a controlled use goal choice. Research on goal choice in adolescent substance users has not been reported. Data from 110 adolescents were collected upon admission to outpatient substance use disorder treatment. Hierarchical linear regressions tested baseline goal choice as a predictor of drinking outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Goal choice significantly predicted drinking outcomes at 12-month follow-up, but not at 6- or 24-month time points; TA was associated with better clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that goal choice may have clinical utility as a predictor of alcohol use disorder clinical course in adolescents.

KEYWORDS:

• abstinence
• alcohol use
• controlled drinking
• treatment goal

Notes

1. Identical models were tested using the Readiness Ruler (Miller, 1999) as an indicator of readiness to change instead of the staging algorithm. The pattern of results remained the same; goal choice significantly predicted outcomes at the 12-month, but not six- or 24-month time points. The staging algorithm variable was retained in the primary analysis in order to more closely model the literature on goal choice in adults.

Additional information

Funding

Support for this research was provided by funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2K05 AA16928 and R01 AA014357).