The Seven Challenges
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Seven Challenges program is designed to treat adolescents with drug and other behavioral problems. Counselors work with clients to identify the most important issues at the moment and discuss these issues while the counselor seamlessly integrates a set of concepts called the seven challenges into the conversation. The seven challenges include: (1) talking honestly about themselves and about alcohol and other drugs; (2) looking at what they like about alcohol and other drugs and why they are using them; (3) looking at the impact of drugs and alcohol on their lives; (4) looking at their responsibility and the responsibility of others for their problems; (5) thinking about where they are headed, where they want to go, and what they want to accomplish; (6) making thoughtful decisions about their lives and their use of alcohol and other drugs; and (7) following through on those decisions. Skills training, problem solving, and sometimes family participation are integrated into the sessions. The sessions address drug problems, co-occurring problems, and life skills deficits. In addition to participating in counseling sessions, youth write in a set of nine Seven Challenges Journals, and counselors and youth engage in a written process called cooperative journaling.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the program is to treat adolescents with drug and behavioral problems using an individualized counseling method incorporating the Seven Challenges.
Results / Accomplishments
In one study, youth were randomly assigned to a group receiving The Seven Challenges or an active family therapy comparison group. In The Seven Challenges group, 8% of participants were abstinent at baseline, compared with 34% at 3-month follow-up (p = .01) and 39% at 6-month follow-up (p < .01). In the comparison group, 3% were abstinent at baseline, compared with 27% at 3-month follow-up (p = .01) and 31% at 6-month follow-up (p < .01).
Another study examined substance use among youth participating in The Seven Challenges at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. From baseline to the 3-month follow-up, participants had significantly decreased substance use severity and related problems (SPS, p = .038; SFS, p = .001). From baseline to the 6-month follow-up, they had a significant decrease in substance-related problems (SPS, p = .004); a decrease in substance use severity was found but was not statistically significant.
Another study examined substance use among youth participating in The Seven Challenges at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. From baseline to the 3-month follow-up, participants had significantly decreased substance use severity and related problems (SPS, p = .038; SFS, p = .001). From baseline to the 6-month follow-up, they had a significant decrease in substance-related problems (SPS, p = .004); a decrease in substance use severity was found but was not statistically significant.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
The Seven Challenges, LLC
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
The Seven Challenges, LLC
Source
SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
Date of publication
2007
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens