Research

Adolescents, representing many different cultures and genders, have substance use problems and treatments need to be adaptable, acceptable, and effective across different cultures and gender.

Although only a small percentage of youth with substance use problems are homeless, it is common to find that homeless adolescents and young adults often have substance use problems.

In the United States, young adults (ages 18-25) have the highest rate of substance use disorders. There is less known about the effectiveness of substance use treatment with this age group than any other age group.

The largest referral source for adolescents to substance use treatment in the United States is the juvenile justice system.

A-CRA includes many treatment components that have been found effective in the treatment of other behavioral health problems. When clinicians are trained in A-CRA, they also learn how to use these components to address other problems that a youth might have.

A-CRA has been implemented at more than 470 organizations in the United States and several other countries. There is a well-developed training and certification process for clinicians and clinical supervisors that includes regular coaching, online learning, and feedback after the initial training.