The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines SUD as the continued use of alcohol or other drugs despite harmful consequences.
A better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the APG will identify best practices and can inform the development of new programs and the enhancement of existing APGs. 3, 4 In the current study, adolescent APG participants identified the advantages and disadvantages of APGs for supporting their recovery from SUDs. 2 Previous studies have explored adolescents’ experience of recovery in APGs, and how participation in APGs increased their capacity to sustain recovery. 1 Though originating in Texas, APGs have been rapidly proliferating across the United States in 2019 there were 24 established APGs in 16 states and 20 more in development.
Love addicts anonymous jc reed epub professional#
The Alternative Peer Group (APG) is a family-centered recovery support model that integrates a positive social environment and a pro-recovery peer group with professional counseling and case management to support the recovery and positive development of adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD). These findings can inform the design of effective recovery support model services that promote long-term recovery for adolescents with SUD. Findings suggest that pro-recovery peer and adult role models, structured activities and a positive social climate that promotes fun, a sense of belonging, and accountability are continuing care elements that are likely to help adolescents resolve their ambivalence about SUD recovery and increase their motivation to engage in the hard work of recovery. The aim of this secondary analysis was to get a clear understanding of adolescents’ perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of APGs for supporting SUD recovery. In this qualitative study thematic content analysis methods were used to explore transcripts from in-depth interviews with adolescent APG participants collected in a prior study. The Alternative Peer Group (APG) is an adolescent recovery support model that incorporates pro-recovery peers and sober social activities into standard continuing care practices. Thus, effective models that help adolescents engage in long-term recovery are needed. Treating adolescents with SUD is challenging. Adolescents with SUD risk hindering their neurological development, which can result in problems with memory and self-regulation, and in turn disrupt their education, relationships, and life opportunities. In 2017, approximately 1.5 million American adolescents had a substance use disorder (SUD).