Table 4.

Combined Qualitative Youth (12–24) Statements of Cognitive Factors

Poor Motivation

“They weren’t ready or willing to do what it takes to stay clean.”

“There are some who choose to be here, but most are here because of parents or court-ordered, so they’re gonna relapse because they have to want to stop on their own”

“Because motivation is the biggest issue for most of us – and it’s not there…everything told to us in treatment just comes in one ear and out the other”

“No more testing, they’re finally out of treatment”

Cravings/Urges

“Having positive feelings that make you want to celebrate - have a drink or use”

“They had cravings because you are either in the presence of drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol users, or at places where you used or bought drugs before”

“Because that’s what typically happens after treatment – we all go back to craving or chasing that first high”

Low Confidence (Self-efficacy)

“Because they were scared to take on the challenge of quitting… they didn’t have the strength to not use again”

“Not having confidence to manage their life on their own”