For scientists: This is the first study to estimate the prevalence of adolescents in recovery from substance use among a large, epidemiological sample. The study found that 1.4% of adolescents reported both resolving a substance use problem and identified as being in recovery. Findings should be replicated in other states and with a nationally representative sample. Additional work could also incorporate other important covariates in propensity score matching (e.g., family structure, family history). In this study, past 30-day prescription drug use was different between those in recovery and the matched samples, but cannabis and alcohol use were not. Adolescents may conceptualize recovery differently than adults. Further qualitative investigation of how adolescents comprehend and navigate substance use “problem resolution” and “recovery” are needed to better understand and support those adolescents.

https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/can-adolescents-recovery-findings-large-state-wide-study/