Preference for spirituality and twelve-step-oriented approaches among adolescents in a residential therapeutic community

This study sought to determine which adolescents being treated for substance use in a residential Therapeutic Community, (TC) would endorse spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches as part of their treatment. By identifying individual difference characteristics associated with preference for spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches, integrated substance abuse treatments can be targeted to appropriate subgroups of adolescents. A total of 181 adolescents completed a survey assessing their substance use and attitudes toward spirituality and Twelve-Step-oriented approaches that was similar to a survey completed by 322 adults in the same residential TC program. In the adolescent sample, three spirituality-related characteristics-perceived connectedness to others, frequency of prayer, and spiritual orientation to life-were associated with preference for both spirituality and twelve step oriented approaches being featured more in TC treatment. Adolescents were less likely than adults to express a preference that both approaches be featured more in TC treatment.