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).

• 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.

The goals of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) are to:

• Promote abstinence from alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
• Promote positive social activity.
  
• Promote positive peer relationships and improved relationships with family.
  
• Motivate caregiver participation in the A-CRA treatment process.
  
• Promote the caregiver’s support of the adolescent’s abstinence from alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
  
• Provide information to the caregiver about effective parenting practices.
  
• Help the adolescent and caregiver(s) create a home and community environment conducive to recovery.
  
• Teach the adolescent problem-solving, communication, and other important skills through the use of role-playing.