RELAPSING AFTER TREATMENT: EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF CHEMICALLY ADDICTED ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Relapsing after treatment for chemical addiction is common, predictable and preventable, andforms part of the addictive cycle (Buddy, 2003:1; Goodwin, 2000:91-93). Against thebackground of an increase in the demands for treatment of adolescent chemical addiction, aswell as the persistently high relapse rate, the significant impact of chemical addiction on thedevelopment and well-being of chemically addicted adolescents needs to be considered by thesocial work profession, in order to plan effective intervention strategies. The purpose of thisresearch study was to explore and describe the experiences of chemically addicted adolescentswho had relapsed after in-patient treatment. Subsequently, the researcher aimed to makerecommendations for social workers, in order to prevent relapse