Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) for Adolescent Drug Abusers

Adolescent drug abuse continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States" our nation's teenagers continue to use illicit drugs at a worrisome rate. Broad reviews of the treatment outcome literature indicate that family interventions in general and BSFT in particular, are effective with drug-using youth. This study was designed to compare BSFT to treatment as usual (TAU). The researchers believe that BSFT will be much more effective than TAU in reducing adolescent drug use. They are also examining which of these treatment approaches does a better job of engaging adolescents and family members in treatment, decreasing problem behaviors, decreasing sexually risky behaviors, increasing pro-social activities (e.g., school, work), and improving the functioning of the family.