Home > Physical activity as part of adolescent addiction treatment.

Long, Jean (2010) Physical activity as part of adolescent addiction treatment. Drugnet Ireland, Issue 32, Winter 2009, p. 23.

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Van Hout assessed the perception of social context and activity scales of adolescent substance abusers following participation in a physical activity intervention during residential drug treatment.1  The increase in perception of social context value was measured by increased social interaction, group identification, trust, co-operation and social growth. The increase in perception of activity value was measured by increased enjoyment, self-efficacy, skill acquisition and confidence. The sample (n=47) was assessed on entry to treatment, on completion of treatment, at six weeks after treatment and at six months after treatment, using mean, standard deviation, and t-tests.  

Participants were aged between 12 and 20 years, and 63% were male. In general, the overall mean scores for perception of social context value increased between entry to and completion of the treatment program decreased marginally six weeks after treatment, and returned to baseline levels after six months in aftercare. A small significant positive difference was recorded between entry and six weeks after treatment
p = 0.04).
 
Perception of activity value increased between entry to and completion of the treatment program, increased again at six weeks after treatment, and decreased to below the baseline level six months following discharge. Positive significant differences were recorded between entry and six weeks after treatment (p = 0.02).
 
This research illustrates the positive potential of physical activity as part of an adolescent residential treatment programme, and in the first six weeks following discharge. It notes that it was difficult to sustain the long-term benefits, and suggests that this aspect of the intervention needs to be explored.
 
1. Van Hout MC (2008) Perception of social context and activity following participation in a physical fitness intervention during residential adolescent addiction treatment. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 7(4): 27–45  
Item Type
Article
Publication Type
Irish-related, Open Access, Article
Drug Type
All substances
Intervention Type
Treatment method, Rehabilitation/Recovery
Issue Title
Issue 32, Winter 2009
Date
18 January 2010
Page Range
p. 23
Publisher
Health Research Board
Volume
Issue 32, Winter 2009
EndNote
Accession Number
HRB (Available)

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