Factors associated with adolescents receiving drug treatment: findings from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

This article examines factors associated with adolescents receiving treatment for drug-related problems. Data on adolescents (aged 12-17) from the 1995 and 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA, N = 9133) were used. Information was obtained concerning adolescent drug use, smoking, drinking and related problems, as well as sociodemographics. Many adolescents with drug-related problems did not receive treatment. Among predisposing factors, gender and age were associated with drug treatment. Severity of drug problems and comorbid emotional and health problems also predicted seeking treatment. The results call for an improved service delivery system. Screening for drug problems in primary care settings, at school, and in mental health programs will help in the early identification and treatment of drug use disorders in youth.