Opponent Process Theory for Substance Abuse Treatment

This article examines problems and issues of the juvenile justice and drug & alcohol systems in the context of treatment resistant, substance dependent, delinquent youth. The evaluation research on traditional medical model treatment shows high drop-out and relapse rates along with limited impact on polydrug users. Outdoor challenge programs are reviewed as an alternative within the context of Opponent-Process Theory and the therapeutic use of stress. These forms of stressful challenge may produce improved self-esteem and positive affect which may be useful as alternative forms of substance abuse treatment, especially for resistant delinquent youth who have not benefitted from more traditional forms of treatment.