Training community-based paraprofessionals as behavior therapists with families of alcohol-abusing adolescents

To combat the increase in chronic alcohol use among adolescents in a large metropolitan area, community-based paraprofessionals were trained in behavior therapy and treated these adolescents and their families in the home. Preliminary evaluation of the program revealed encouraging results. This training supplied structure for the paraprofessionals' interventions with families and provided them with skills they are continuing to use in their community work.