Adults tend to get involved in substance abuse to alter their mood and feel better. Adults typically start out drinking alcohol, progressing to marijuana and other drugs until they settle on one or two drugs of choice. Much of a substance abuser's time and attention is focused on usage, resulting in arrested social, cognitive and emotional development. Group treatment and a 12-step program have proved to be valuable components of recovery. As teens struggle to separate from parents and form their own identity, their need for acceptance and belonging is met by peers.
Teens are more likely to be honest with peers.
Confrontation that would not be tolerated from parents is heeded from friends. Peers know what is going on with other teens long before parents and other authorities. Therefore, they can be strong change agents. A recovery day treatment center would allow students who cannot stay clean in the regular classroom to stay in the community and continue school. We would also like to collect more data on families we work with.