The current dissertation program aims at exploring whether engagement with the penal judicial system can affect drug using adolescents’ decision to seek treatment. The main research questions concern the adolescent perception about the role of the judicial institutions (e.g. police, district attorneys, judges, juvenile court bailiffs) and the imposition of rehabilitative- therapeutic measures on motivating youths for treatment.
The theoretical background of this research work is based on the classification, analysis and critical synthesis of the existing relative literature. The multidimensional phenomenon of addiction, the motivation process and the dominant approaches for rehabilitation are thus identified. In addition, the treatment of juvenile addicted offenders is being studied from a legal point of view.
Based on the theoretical framework, the purpose and at the same time the research questions that were formulated, the in-depth interview was considered as the most appropriate research tool. In this doctoral research the sample will concern users of illegal psychoactive substances, who are minors, and have used or are using substances. The sample will consist of adolescents (15-18 years old) who are in Counseling Centers and Rehabilitation Programs as well as adolescents who do not participate in a Rehabilitation/ Counseling Program. The goal is an upcoming collaboration with public institutions for adolescent substance abuse treatment such as OKANA and KETHEA.
Through the research results an attempt is made to correlate the influence of social control on the adolescent’s decision for change and rehabilitation from substance abuse.
Keywords: juveniles, addiction, rehabilitation, motivation, juvenile law
