Abstract:

This qualitative study explores the experiences of young adults, who were diagnosed with an alcohol abuse or dependence problem during adolescence. If the subject participated in treatment, significant factors they found to be useful were investigated, as well as what motivated them to participate in treatment and to maintain their sobriety. If they did not participate in treatment but now consider themselves recovering from an alcohol problem, significant factors which motivated them to change their behavior were explored. More specifically, this study investigates the experiences of twelve young adults between the ages of 18-23, who have previously had an alcohol abuse or dependence problem during their adolescence and currently consider themselves to be in recovery. Interviews with participants reflect the factors that participants identify as contributing to their motivation to change their destructive behaviors. The interview and emerging results were organized in terms of categories including the decision to use alcohol, motivation to change, and treatment.

The themes that emerged from the study were divided into 5 categories: (1)?Major themes, those present in 75 to 100 percent of the interviews; (2)?Minor Themes, those present in 50 to 74 percent of the interviews; (3)?Other significant themes, those that stand out in some way, such as being unique to a gender or unique to participants who participated in a treatment setting; (4)?Major Themes specific to those who recovered naturally and specific to those who recovered with treatment, present in 83 to 100 percent of the interviews; and (5)?Minor themes specific to each group, present in 50 to 100 percent of the interviews. Emerging themes were discussed in terms of how the participants were motivated to change so that alcohol treatment programs can be improved and tailored to address important issues.

Themes emerged that supported previous research and numerous themes were unique to this specific study. Unique themes that emerged included an absent father in the household, specific negative consequences of alcohol use, and the importance of identification with peers in treatment. Also of importance were the themes that were endorsed by all participants, which included other drug use, the use of drugs and alcohol in their families, influence of peers on both alcohol use and sobriety, and the presence or absence of realistic goals. Interestingly, individuals who recovered naturally, without the help of formal treatment, focused on the need for God, or religion, in treatment; those who recovered with the help of treatment focused on the importance of a positive support system. Results of this study should serve to help treatment programs that target adolescent substance users to better plan or modify their programs in order to better assist these youth in changing their destructive behavior.