The Adolescent Treatment Initiative (ATI) began its fifth year in October 2009. ATI is a five year demonstration project seeking to increase the quality and quantity of adolescent outpatient treatment with a focus on adopting evidence based treatment. ATI has been successful thanks to the commitment of several New Hampshire treatment agencies and the dedication of some of the finest clinicians our state has to offer! Over one thousand youth have been referred to ATI with 580 participating in evidence based treatment. On average, youth completed 8 sessions of treatment at a cost of $3,990 per youth. Sixty percent of youth completed treatment, well above national averages.
Prior to treatment, 70% of youth reported problems related to their substance use. Six months post-treatment-entry, only 47% were reporting similar problems. At 6-months post–treatment-entry, only 23% of youth reported substance use patterns indicating high risk problems. Nearly 70% of youth reported clinically relevant symptoms of general mental distress (i.e.: depression, anxiety) at intake compared to 45% six months post treatment entry.
ATI will continue collecting data for another year, but New Futures’ oversight ended in December 2009. The adolescent treatment providers have successfully implemented evidence based treatment and no longer need the coaching or support of New Futures’ staff.
History
In January 2004, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation announced a commitment of $5 million ($1 million per year for 5 years) for a partnership between NHCF and New Futures to address adolescent treatment needs in our state.
The Adolescent Treatment Initiative (ATI) is aimed at improving the quality and quantity of adolescent alcohol and other drug treatment services in New Hampshire.
ATI was created after a 9-month planning process, including a statewide analysis of adolescent treatment needs; a national review of selected "best practice" programs; and a national assessment of selected foundations and how they address alcohol and other drug problems, specifically adolescent treatment.
Working collaboratively with private, public, and nonprofit partners, we will establish a comprehensive system of care for adolescents with alcohol and other drug problems.
ATI is built around two components – an Adolescent Treatment Collaborative and Demonstration Projects.
Adolescent Treatment Collaborative: Major aspects of this initiative include: Advocacy; Evaluation and Data Management; Grants Management; Leadership and Vision; Scientific Advisory Committee; Technical Assistance and Consultation; and Training.
Service Projects: community-based ATI service projects will be funded for five years to develop and deliver direct treatment services in selected local communities. Funding will support the development of clinical, management, and community capacity to treat youth with alcohol and other drug problems.
Until recently research based treatment for adolescents has been virtually unavailable in New Hampshire. The ATI is changing that with the projects we are funding, and hope to influence others to undertake similar improvements.
Adolescent alcohol and other drug use results in an increase in violence, accidents/unintended injuries, unplanned sexual activity, poor school performance and family relations, suicide and criminal activity. Research shows us that early intervention and treatment for adolescents with alcohol and other drug problems is effective.