Studies are needed that examine neurobiological characteristics in high-risk individuals prior to substance use disorder (SUD) development. In this pilot study, 4 adolescent subjects at high risk for SUD (having at least 1 parent with an SUD) were compared with 4 adolescent reference subjects on a cortico-limbic reactivity paradigm, where they…

Examined whether risk of drug abuse in offspring of fathers with substance use disorders differs with respect to presence or absence of the father. Concluded increased risk for substance abuse in offspring of separated parents due to the combination of the transmission of more severe liability from the father, and fewer resources available to the…

Presents an introduction to the articles in this monograph examining the genetic, biochemical, and psychological components of substance use disorder liability. Highlights the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research's theory-guided comprehensive prospective research strategies and activities. (Contains 5 tables and 5 figures.) (GCP)

Designs and evaluates a multidimensional schema for the assessment of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use topology. Findings illustrate the value of multidimensional assessment for identifying youth at high risk for substance use disorder (SUD) as well as for elucidating the factors contributing to the transition to suprathreshold SUD. (Contains…

Evidence indicates that psychological dysregulation is an integral component of the liability for substance use disorder (SUD). This report discusses the rationale underlying the Dysregulation Inventory (DI), methods employed in item selection and scale construction, and preliminary results regarding psychometric properties. Results indicate that…

Investigates the Drug Use Screening Inventory's (DUSI) utility for identifying youth who will develop a disorder of abuse/dependence. Findings indicate that the DUSI, taking only 15-20 minutes to complete, is a useful practical instrument to identify youth who could benefit most from prevention interventions. (Contains 12 references and 4 tables.)…

Tests a theory positing a role of sexual maturation and behavioral self-regulation in the development of early onset substance use disorders. The rate of maturation in adolescent males across three timepoints was found to be associated with parental substance use disorder (SUD). Parental, especially maternal, SUD was related to the sons' SUD.…

The results reported herein indicate that psychological dysregulation in childhood is a risk factor for substance use disorder (SUD) but not suicidality. Offspring of men with SUD do, however, report a higher rate of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to offspring of psychiatrically normal men. (Contains 28 references and 4 tables.) (GCP)

Paternal and maternal models of transmission of child neglect were tested separately in offspring of men with a substance use disorder (SUD). Child dysregulation was independently related to neglect severity. SUD in the mother directly correlated with severity of neglectful parenting. (Contains 51 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Compared the language capacities of children at high risk for substance abuse to low-risk children to uncover focal areas of deficit. Results indicate that high-risk subjects' performance was significantly poorer on several measures of language ability. Findings suggest that poor language mediation increases the risk for substance abuse. (RJM)

Examines psychometric reliability of Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI) utilizing adolescents with DSM-III-R diagnosis of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorder. Concludes that split-half, internal, and test-retest reliability is superior. Suggests that DUSI may be useful for identifying and quantifying substance use and related problems. Includes…