Exposure to violence can lead to a dramatic increase in the likelihood of the development of a substance use disorder (SUD). Given the overlap between the two, substance use for survivors of violence, then, can be a coping mechanism to manage the traumatic effects of abuse and persistent use can evolve into a diagnosable SUD. This study was…

Due to concerns over Thai adolescent risky behaviors, effective prevention strategies are needed. Determining the role neighborhood context plays in program engagement and outcomes may inform these strategies. This study includes 170 mother-adolescent pairs (M = 13.44, SD = 0.52) in Bangkok, Thailand in a prevention program for adolescent…

This study examined predictors of substance use and negative activity involvement among a diverse sample of European American, African American, Hispanic, Native American, and multiracial early adolescents (n = 749) living in a large urban city in the Southwest United States. This study investigated a broad set of predictor variables that tap…

The prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents from low- and middle-income countries is increasing drastically and requires immediate intervention. The objective of this longitudinal quasi-experimental panel study was to design and implement a skill-based intervention to prevent and reduce substance use among urban adolescents who attended 2…

Our aim is to identify predictors of first-time ecstasy use in a prospective study among young people at risk. As part of the multidisciplinary Netherlands XTC Toxicity Study (NeXT), we monitored 188 subjects aged up to 18 years who were ecstasy-naive at baseline but seemed likely to start taking ecstasy in the near future. After an 11- to…

Substance use and HIV risk behaviors are increasing among African-American youth. Interventions that incorporate youth values and beliefs are needed to reduce this trajectory. Hip-hop plays an important role in the lives of many African-American youth and provides a context within which to prevent risky behaviors. The current study examines the…

Determines the level of drug and alcohol involvement of 369 middle and high school students and examines the effectiveness of early intervention. Results of the study underscore the frequency and seriousness of drug use, the need for more prevention efforts in elementary and middle schools, and additional treatment programs for high school…

In this study both college students and degreed nurses were asked to estimate the abuse potential and lethality of recreational drugs, both licit and illicit. Findings indicate that the illicit drugs under consideration were perceived as presenting the greatest danger to the user. Dangers attributed to the use of licit recreational drugs were…

Evaluates the Drug Prevention in Youth risk reduction program that was implemented in shelters for runaway/homeless youths in the southeastern United States. An evaluation strategy was developed allowing for comparisons between peer-led, adult-led and nonintervention groups. Well-trained and motivated peer/near-peer leaders made particularly…

Surveyed 620 nonpregnant, culturally diverse women at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection concerning alcohol, marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and intravenous drug use. Found consumption levels which exceeded expectations based on general estimates of female substance use. Substance use was associated with specific…

This study provides empirical data on the substance use behaviors of delinquent and homeless youths. Results indicate that these children use tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs at higher rates than adolescents in general. Drug education and prevention programs must be tailored to fit the needs of these at-risk populations. (RJM)

Examined whether teachers' abilities to identify accurately students at risk for substance abuse can be improved through attendance at specialized training program. Eighth-grade teacher participants (n=36) were compared to 27 teacher controls. After training, intervention teachers provided more accurate ratings among usage categories than did…

Teachers as Facilitators (TAF) program used teachers as leaders of small groups that promoted social, emotional, and academic development of children at high risk for substance abuse. Found that school personnel were capable of accurately identifying and referring students; TAF program was effective in improving students' perceived academic…

Adolescents (n=74) in schools, community, or hospital drug intervention programs received eight- to nine-week structured fitness activity class as part of programs. Subjects who improved in fitness tests also demonstrated significant increase in self-concept risk factor and significant decrease in anxiety and depression risk factors compared to…

Examines the effects of a school and home-based drug-abuse prevention program on risk factors for subsequent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among children. The parent-child intervention had no effect on parent or child risk factors, but the program was favorably received by parents and children. (Author/MKA)