Reexamined previous statistical comparisons of two models for adolescent drug abuse using new statistical estimation methods in causal modeling not requiring assumptions about normally distributed variables. An asymptotically distribution free method shows that the models fit even better than assumed in the initial work. (Author/JAC)

Investigated ethnic differences among 121 analgesic drug-related deaths. Data from the medical examiner's office and interviews with survivors indicated greater codeine involvement for non-Whites and greater propoxyphene involvement for Whites, higher incidences of illicit drug abuse among non-Whites, and more abuse of prescribed drugs among…

Reviewed alcohol-related activities by prime-time television characters over a five-year period. Analysis showed alcohol was the preferred beverage used by characters, especially in recent years. All kinds of characters were seen drinking except youth. However, consequences of alcohol abuse and response of others were not always shown. (Author/JAC)

Surveyed 100 nondrinking adolescents utilizing a behavior analysis questionnaire designed to assess influences on learning not to drink. Results suggest that parents who did not drink had a strong influence. Effective modes of self-control were also discovered; teenagers revealed assertiveness skills in saying "no" to peer pressures. (Author/JAC)

Investigated the relationship between anomie theory, as measured by Srole's Anomie Scale, and self-admitted drug use in an adult population (N=1,449). Bivariate cross-comparison correlations indicated anomie was significantly correlated with several drug variables, but these associations were extremely weak and of little explanatory value.…

Describes instruments developed to measure inmates' (N=150) drug use, knowledge, and attitudes. A drug use inventory, a drug attitude scale, and a drug knowledge test were examined for validity. Each measurement tool was subjected to item analysis for internal consistency. Implications and suggestions are discussed concerning inmate drug…

Evaluated the Communication and Parenting Skills (CAPS) substance abuse education program, which includes parental modeling and effective communication. Ten instructors each conducted two CAPS courses, one as an experimental course, the other as a control. Results indicated significant acquisition and utilization of constructive responses by…

Describes drug abuse in the military. Survey data of military personnel (N=15,268) revealed that single, enlisted males under age 25 were the population most at risk. Alcohol and cannabis were the most common substances of abuse. Some work impairment and dependence were reported but were not typical. (Author/JAC)

Studied factors to help dentists understand smoking in patients. Dental patients (N=57) attended "quit smoking" clinics and were given the Horn Smoker's Self-Test which elicits information on factors relating to smoking. The most important functions cigarettes serve, according to smokers, were to satisfy craving, act as a crutch, and provide…

Argues that the most important new frontier in the prevention of drug abuse is parent power. Marijuana use is a wave whose peak has passed. If this is true it will be less the result of efforts of drug abuse professionals than the direct result of outrage coming from American parents. (Author/BEF)

A strategy for preventing drug abuse by children and adolescents is socializing them into social competencies necessary for psychological health and responsible decision making. This is achieved through direct learning, identification based on admiration for superior competence, and adoption of social roles within meaningful relationships with…

This interactive theory of drug use posits that drug-taking behavior is caused by several constellations of intra- and extra-individual forces. Influences interact to modify each other while determining the presence of a variety of lifestyle behaviors including drug and alcohol use. The model grows as new data are collected. (Author/BEF)

Values of drug users were measured using the Rokeach Value Survey. The values the drug users espoused and perceived to be in opposition to society's values formed three themes: tranquility, aesthetics, and humanism. Although this group was perceived as deviant, they adhered to the literal meaning of these cultural ideals. (Author/BEF)

Evaluated perceptions of treatment environments within the Comprehensive Drug Program of Dade County (Miami) Florida. Analysis revealed that perceptions of drug clients toward their treatment environments were more positive than those of clients in other types of medical and psychiatric treatment. Perceptions varied directly with contact between…

Reports results of a questionnaire administered to participants in an antagonist drug outpatient clinic and an antagonist drug work-release program to obtain awareness of acceptance of the program participants. Naltrexone patients recommended an alternative method of administering the drug and changing the money system to award deserving inmates…