Examines the relationship between gender, athletic participation, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol use in a sample of adolescents. No significant difference was found between negative consequences reported by athletes and non-athletes, or males and females. A significant difference was found between levels of negative consequence drinking and…

Analyzed data from a sample of 16,734 secondary school students regarding attitudes toward the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Results indicate that denominational and sectarian identity exerted a significant influence on adolescent attitudes toward drug use. This influence was only effective among practicing members rather than among…

Examined the relationship between depressive feelings and cigarette smoking in Mexican-American adolescents who participated in the 1993 Teenage Attitudes and Practices Survey II. Results suggest a relationship between certain feelings of depression and smoking, beyond that experienced by nonsmokers, which may be more evident in females.…

Uses longitudinal analysis to measure the effectiveness of the Drug Abuse Resistance Program (D.A.R.E.) in a rural Tennessee school system. Results suggest that time, rather than D.A.R.E. participation, produced lower frequencies of alcohol and drug use. Additionally, adolescents did not report a delay in the use of alcohol or drugs, offering…

Anonymous questionnaires administered to 1283 middle school/high school students and 930 college students revealed that most of these students viewed all types of alcohol intervention programs as somewhat effective in reducing alcohol abuse among youth. Analyses revealed that drinking motivations and behavior produced a significant effect on the…

A sample of 18 focus groups (subject ages 15-24) revealed young people's clear opinions on what constitutes an effective drinking and driving education program. Such programs should be student-centered, conducted in small group settings, emphasize real-life situations, and be delivered by people affected by drinking and driving. (RJM)

Tested the psychometric properties of an instrument used to assess adolescents' empowerment concerning alcohol. Empowerment was significantly and inversely associated with alcohol use after controlling for peer influence and self-efficacy. Suggests that psychological empowerment is theoretically meaningful and is significantly associated with…

Examines the relationships of smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and smoking status, with a focus on experimental smoking. Survey results of 9,774 respondents suggest that attitude and belief variables can adequately predict smoking stages of adolescents as defined by the stage model of smoking acquisition. Argues that intervention with…

Presents a program targeting minority high school honor students in their junior and senior years. The program's goal is to educate youths regarding current alcohol and drug research and treatment approaches. Utilizes a mentor-based curriculum, along with lectures, laboratory sessions, a research project, workshops, and site visits. Includes a…

Compared substance use perceptions and behavior using a sample of 3,009 African American youth. Overall, substance abuse is perceived as a serious problem at school. Early substance use and peer influence are major determinants of later substance use, although important differences exist in the prediction of alcohol and marijuana use. (RJM)

Determined whether family characteristics, particularly family cohesion and social support, can explain why teenagers from alcoholic families are more likely to use a variety of recreational and addictive substances. Found that a combination of characteristics, such as a lack of bonding, produces particularly high rates of adolescent alcohol and…

Examined effects of a comprehensive drug education training package on the planning, development, and implementation of drug education lessons. Results based on 205 teacher questionnaires indicate a high approval rating. A majority of teachers reported that they would recommend the program to their colleagues; one-quarter reported using it to…

The cultural and historical factors that have combined to make alcohol a problematic beverage for Americans are discussed. (MM)

Several examples of how alcohol education can be integrated into social studies, English, foreign language, and art classes are offered along with a discussion of the interdisciplinary approach to alcohol education. (MM)