The misuse of prescription stimulants (MPS), risky drinking, and drunkorexia are current public health concerns. The present study assessed the prevalence of MPS and drunkorexia using an online survey. Specifically, we examined alcohol consumption, the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index, Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol…

Prescription drug misuse is a major health problem, particularly among teens. A key step in curbing misuse is the development of effective prescription drug prevention messages. This paper explores the elements of prescription drug misuse prevention messages that resonate with teens using data from focus groups with seventh and eighth grade…

Alcohol abuse prevention education encourages participants to make choices, to set safe drinking standards, and to detect questionable practices before they lead to problems. (MM)

A college drug education course is examined to determine whether (1) it affected students' consumption of drugs and (2) whether drug consumption is stimulated by such a course. It was concluded that consumption was not significantly reduced, while the use of amphetamines slightly increased. (MJB)

Asserts that few critical issues in drug programming are being thoughtfully considered. Suggests that health educators and other professionals involved in drug program development must seriously consider program problems of goal selection, policy development, student rights and protection, clarification of drug-related terminology, and evaluation…

Describes alternative methods of drug education that have been and are being developed with a view toward better reaching and educating disenfranchised groups. A case is made for excellence in general education and active learning models in drug education, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. (JAC)

Describes treatment methods designed to teach self-help skills to the abusive drinker, i.e., assertiveness training, muscle relaxation, and academic survival groups. A literature review shows a drinking problem among college students. Reasons given for excessive drinking were to relieve anxiety, to feel good, and to enhance sociability. (Author/BH)

Physician assistant attitudes and perceptions about substance abuse education and prescribing practices indicate that 81 percent of respondents were responsible for prescribing. Of prescribers, 97.7 percent counseled about medication; of nonprescribers, 95.0 percent counseled about medication. Diagnosis and prevention were the most highly ranked…

An organized task force can create community awareness of the adolescent substance abuse epidemic sweeping across the nation. The purposes, objectives, structure and action-oriented committee activities of the task force are described. (Author/BL)

This article reviews research on anabolic steroids, indicating that athletes are mistaken in believing that taking them will improve their physical performance. Dangerous side-effects are also discussed. (JA)