Perspectives on effective interventions with substance abusing adolescents in Aotearoa/New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Social Work at Massey University

Abstract

Specialised adolescent substance abuse interventions are still relatively new to Aotearoa/New Zealand. While over the years adolescents have often experimented with substances and some have had to get help with their use of substances, the interventions used with youth have often been adult focussed techniques and programmes, or have come from overseas experiences. This thesis brings together literature on adolescent substance abuse from around Aotearoa/New Zealand and overseas, qualitative knowledge from interviews with alcohol and drug workers working with adolescents in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and adolescents' own perspectives of adolescent substance abuse interventions. The main objective of this thesis has been to synthesise this knowledge in order to make some clear recommendations about what constitutes effective interventions with substance abusing adolescents in Aotearoa/New Zealand, so that they might be a practical guide for those working with, or intending to work with adolescents in this country.