Impact of Victimization on Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes for Adolescents in Outpatient and Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract

This paper considers whether victimization moderates adolescents’ outcomes in substance abuse treatment. Adolescents (N—975) in outpatient and residential settings were assessed at intake, three, six, nine, and 12 months. Differential outcomes by gender and degree of victimization were analyzed. Dependent variables were marijuana use and substance‐related problems. The residential sample reported higher baseline marijuana use and victimization. Both samples significantly reduced marijuana use and associated problems during treatment. Victimization was significantly related to more substance‐related problems at intake and follow‐up. More severe trauma histories in residential females were associated with significantly greater persistence in substance‐related problems post‐discharge.