Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA)
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is an outpatient program for the continuous monitoring of adolescents and young adults aged between 12 and 24 who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and problematic drug abuse.
After a period of treatment in therapeutic communities, users are linked to ongoing care services to promote recovery and prevent relapse. The follow-up involves home visits by medical staff and case management to identify each young person’s needs and compatible services, such as home/community therapy sessions, phone calls between the therapist and the adolescent, among other community services.

Impact evaluations

Impact evaluation studies have shown that program participants had a statistically significant reduction in the use of alcohol and other drugs and in depressive symptoms, as well as an increase in attachment to long-term care services, adherence to the long-term care model, and social stability. However, there was no statistically significant effect on high-risk behaviors or delinquency [1] [2].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Godley, M. D., Godley, S. H., Dennis, M. L., Funk, R. R. & Passetti, L. L. (2007). The effect of assertive continuing care on continuing care linkage, adherence and abstinence following residential treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 102(1), 81–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01648.x

[2] Slesnick, N., Prestopnik, J. L., Meyers, R. J., & Glassman, M. (2007). Treatment outcome for street-living, homeless youth. Addictive behaviors, 32(6), 1237-1251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.08.010

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