Love and Service in Adolescent Addiction Recovery. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Matthew T.; Pagano, Maria E.; Johnson, Byron R.; Post, Stephen G.
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism treatment quarterly. Volume 34:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Youth addiction -- adolescents -- spirituality -- service -- Alcoholics Anonymous; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 613.81
• DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2016.1148513
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7324

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article is one of the first to examine the relationships among a specific combination of "spiritual virtues" (helping others and the experience of divine love) and outcomes related to criminal involvement, sobriety, and character development among adolescents. One hundred ninety-five adolescents with substance dependency court-referred to residential treatment were assessed at intake, discharge, and 6 months posttreatment. Higher service to others predicted reduced recidivism, reduced relapse, and greater character development. Experiencing divine love enhanced the effect of service on recidivism. Greater attention to spiritual virtues might improve treatment for youth involved with alcohol, drugs, and certain forms of crime.