Treatment of chemically dependent adolescents in an alternative high school setting

This paper describes a treatment program for adolescents in an alternative high school. The program includes he adolescent substance battery, student assistance services, and treatment modalities for adolescents who have used drugs. Assessment and diagnosis, the development of treatment tracks, and objectives of the program are described. Treatment issues such as substance misuse and abuse, chemical dependency, and defensiveness need extensive consideration when implementing programs for adolescents using drugs. This article serves as a stimulus in designing, planning, and implementing adolescent treatment programs.