AT WAR IN THE FIELDS OF PLAY - CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE NATURE ANDTREATMENT OF ADOLESCENT CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

While the numbers of adolescents entering drug abuse treatment are not increasing dramatically, those entering treatment are getting sicker, according to clinical reports. Adolescents are entering treatment wit h multiple problems, including severe learning disorders, borderline p ersonality disorders, multiple diagnoses of addiction, mental health a nd physical problems (including HIV/AIDS), and issues arising from chi ld abuse and incest. A case study in client-therapist interaction is p resented, highlighting the concept of the wounded healer. The disease model of addiction is discussed as it applies to adolescents, as is th eir need for habilitation, not rehabilitation. Current abuse trends an d the drugs involved are also discussed. Multiple diagnoses, physiolog ic disorders, HIV testing and counseling, surgical problems, and mater nal/neonatal complications are reviewed.