Research
AARC is a research-based treatment program with impressive success rates for severely addicted youth living in recovery.
Featured Study
Effective Approaches to Adolescent Addiction: Evaluation of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) Findings and Implications for Clinicians, Researchers, and Policymakers
In 2015, AARC was awarded a $300,000 grant to fund independent research on the efficacy of their program. Independent researchers conducted retrospective interviews with a sample of program participants. They assessed the impact of the AARC program on standard measures of drug abstinence, psychosocial and academic functioning, and overall health. The Principal Investigator on the evaluation was Dr. Amelia M. Arria, Ph.D, University of Maryland and the Co-Principal Investigator was Dr. Ken C. Winters, Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
The research emphasized the importance of offering thorough care that addresses the needs of both individuals and their families. It also highlighted the necessity of recognizing the distinctive developmental requirements of adolescents and the significance of understanding the social context and other environmental factors that can affect the success of the program.
Research Highlights
of clients who entered treatment at AARC completed the program
of AARC graduates reported remaining abstinent from drugs & alcohol 12 months after graduation
AARC graduates reported remaining abstinent from drugs & alcohol 24 months after graduation
These results indicate the program’s ability to treat addicted youth effectively.
“Most adolescents who need treatment for addiction never get it. We need more comprehensive and blue-chip treatment programs, such as AARC. I admire your persistence in addressing these problems among youth and families in Alberta. Your region is very fortunate to have such an outstanding resource.” Dr. Ken Winters, Ph.D.
Dr. Ken Winters, Ph.D.
Exceptional care. Incredible results.
Interested in learning more about our program and research?
Research Studies
Effective Approaches to Adolescent Addiction: Evaluation of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC)
Arria, Amelia M. PhD | Bugbee, Brittany A. MPH | Winters, Ken C. PhD
Findings and implications for clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
Postdischarge Outcomes of Adolescents Attending a Long-term Addiction Treatment Program
Arria, Amelia M. PhD | Bugbee, Brittany A. MPH | Mader, Joel MEd | Smith, Jacqueline M. PhD | Winters, Ken C. PhD
Specialized long-term treatment program yields high abstinence rates for graduates.
A Unique Model for Adolescent Addiction Treatment
Arria, Amelia M. PhD | Bugbee, Brittany A. MPH | Mader, Joel MEd | Smith, Jacqueline M. PhD | Winters, Ken C. PhD
How to effectively treat substance use disorders amongst adolescents.
The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre: An Outcome Evaluation Study
Michael Q Patton, PhD, FD Vause, PhD, Choate, N Lirenman, G Goresky
An outcome evaluation of AARC’s 12-step long-term recovery program for adolescent addiction.
73% of AARC graduates remained abstinent from drugs & alcohol 12 months after graduation
Source: Effective Approaches to Adolescent Addiction