A multivariate process model of adolescent 12-step attendance and substance use outcome following inpatient treatment

A common recommendation for youth treated for substance abuse is to attend 12-step groups. However, little is known regarding the effects of this adul t-derived prescription on substance use outcomes for teens. This study exam ined (a) the relation between 12-step attendance and substance use outcome in the 6 months postdischarge from inpatient care and (b) a process model o f how 12-step attendance during the first 3 months postdischarge affects pr oximal outcomes of motivation, coping, and self-efficacy, measured at 3 mon ths, and how these, in turn, affect ultimate substance use outcome in the f ollowing 3 months. Adolescent inpatients (N = 99) were assessed during trea tment and 3 and 6 months postdischarge. Results revealed modest beneficial effects of 12-step attendance, which were mediated by motivation but not by coping or self-efficacy. Findings suggest that closer attention be paid to motivational factors in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse.