Exploring Associations Between Abstinence Self-Efficacy, Perceived Benefits of Substance Use, and Recovery Outcomes in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents

Prior research shows considerable variability in substance use outcomes following treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying protective factors associated with improved recovery outcomes. Self-efficacy is a well-established protective factor linked to improved post-treatment outcomes, but these protective effects may vary across individuals. This study will: (1) examine whether abstinence self-efficacy at treatment discharge predicts follow-up substance use outcomes in a sample of adolescents who received inpatient substance use treatment; and (2) explore whether associations may vary as a function of adolescents’ perceived social and psychological benefits of substance use as reported at treatment entry. The primary outcome of interest is complete abstinence at the 3-month follow-up, with days of alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use examined as secondary outcomes.