Adolescents in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Do They Gain Knowledge on Addiction?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2008), 82 percent of high school seniors have used alcohol, 50 percent have used marijuana and 9 percent have used cocaine. It also reports that binge drinking almost of high school seniors is 30 percent and of 10th graders is 24 percent. Clients who have attended a treatment program for chemical dependency have learned many key issues in regards to the treatment process and relapse issues. Clients that are entering treatment for the first time lack the insight and education concerning some of these issues. In a research study conducted at an adolescent treatment facility in a metropolitan area of Minnesota, clients receive a significant amount of treatment dealing with these issues. The research study consisted of a pre- and post-test in regards to knowledge gained about chemical dependency. Clients were administered the test at intake and then upon discharge. This is a study sample of convenience. This research project analyzes the students\u27 knowledge prior to admissions in comparison to knowledge gained during treatment