The impact of treatments and the healing process among young drug addicts in Quebec
Since the early 2000s, it has been estimated that between 5% and 8% of Quebec youths have serious psychoactive substance (PAS) use problems, which raises the key issue of treatment for these problems. This article begins with an overview of the main services offered to youths and of the factors, related or not to treatment, that could explain the changes in the rehabilitation process for young Quebec addicts. The presentation of five studies conducted by the authors of this article provides the opportunity to reflect on the services offered to young Quebecers with PAS use problems. The studies show, notably, that youths’ PAS use improves within six to twelve months following their entry into one of the treatments. Total abstinence is not usually involved, nor is it the goal for most youths when they enter treatment. Changes in other spheres of their lives, their occupations for example, are also noted. Results concerning psychological health are more mitigated. Youths’ satisfaction with these treatments appears generally positive. Change factors identified by the youths include the therapeutic alliance, treatment in a group setting, parental support, associating with conformist peers as well as sports or artistic activities as alternatives to PAS use. Results regarding the trajectories show that there are several types of rehabilitation trajectories, that treatment success does not necessarily take the form of abstinence, especially not permanent abstinence, and that the trajectories are tortuous.