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.
One study examined the effectiveness of A-CRA with homeless, street-living youth, aged 14 to 22. The participants were recruited from a drop-in center and randomly assigned to receive A-CRA or the usual treatment offered at the drop-in center.
Study findings revealed that youth in both conditions improved in several areas. Individuals assigned to A-CRA reported greater reductions in substance use (37% v. 17%), depression symptoms (40% v. 23%), and increased social stability (58% v. 13%). For more information, see Slesnick, N., Prestopnik, J.L., Meyers, R.J., & Glassman, M. (2007).