Factors associated with adolescent utilization of alcohol treatment services

Objective: This study examined factors associated with adolescents' use of alcohol treatment services. Method: Data on adolescents (aged 12-17) from the 1994 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA, N = 4698), a large representative sample of the U.S. population, were used in this study. Information obtained from the survey included adolescent alcohol use, drinking patterns, alcohol abuse/dependent problems, and service use for alcohol-related problems. In addition, socio-demographics, health insurance, mental and behavioral problems, and other drug-use were also included in the analysis. Results: The findings indicate that many adolescents with alcohol problems did not receive treatment. White adolescents were more likely to receive alcohol treatment services than nonwhites. Among alcohol-related problems, alcohol causing problems at home,school, or other settings predicted entry into alcohol treatment. Drug use and poor health status were also associated with receiving alcohol treatment services. Conclusions: This studs calls for an improved service delivery system to meet service needs of adolescents with alcohol-related problems, especially among minorities, and those with alcohol-related problems but without yet experiencing significant negative social consequences.