TABLE 2.

Summary of Suggestions When Conducting Research With Adolescents in Recovery From SUDs

Suggestions for Research Design

Suggestions for Working With Targeted Population

Define outcome variables; recovery and academic progress can be measured in many ways Address potential issues in using diagnostic criteria for adolescent SUD and mental health diagnoses Network with SUD treatment and RHS communities so they see value of the research Carefully review potential instruments and scales to increase reliability and validity within the study When examining SUDs as outcome variables, be sure to include measures of co-occurring mental health disorders Use a variety of assessment formats, such as interviews, questionnaires, and biological specimens Use multiple interpretive variables to represent a single construct Utilize corroborative/parental reports whenever possible to increase validity of study Allow sufficient time for progress to occur when creating follow-up protocol

Train research staff on topics of adolescent development Train research staff on substance use disorders and the criteria used for diagnoses Network with SUD treatment and RHS communities to assist with recruitment Be sure that research staff are proficient in the consent process, compliance in confidentiality, and gaining rapport with participants Be aware of participant’s age and legal age of consent; if youth is younger than age 18, consent is first needed from parent Train research staff on how to utilize probing techniques in semistructured interviews; essential for obtaining a valid self-report from participants Be flexible in the assessment scheduling process and interviewing locale Maintain consistency and tenacity when scheduling follow-up interviews Provide remuneration at each assessment period

Note. SUDs = substance use disorders; RHS = Recovery High School.