The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Substance Abuse Treatment (Adolescent).

• Child Welfare Outcome: Child/Family Well-Being
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Adolescents aged 12 to 22 with substance abuse issues

A-CRA is a behavioral intervention that seeks to increase the family, social, and educational/vocational reinforcers of an adolescent to support recovery from substance abuse and dependence. The manual outlines an outpatient program that targets youth 12-22 years old with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) cannabis, alcohol, and/or other substance use disorders. A-CRA also has been implemented in intensive outpatient and residential treatment settings and the adult model, Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), has been found effective with adults. A-CRA includes guidelines for three types of sessions: adolescents alone, caregivers alone, and adolescents and caregivers together. According to the adolescent's needs and self-assessment of happiness in multiple areas of functioning, therapists choose from among 17 A-CRA procedures that address, for example, problem-solving skills to cope with stressors, communication skills, and participation in positive social and recreational activities with the goal of improving life satisfaction and eliminating substance use problems.