This article examines prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) in a sample of elementary and high school students in an Appalachian Tennessee county. We found that lifetime prevalence of NMUPD (35%) was higher than prevalence of cigarette use (28%) and marijuana use (17%), but lower than lifetime prevalence of alcohol use (46%).…

Many college students are using substances at levels consistent with Substance Abuse or Dependence, yet little explanation for this phenomenon exits. The aim of this study was to explore a risk factor profile that best separates those with low and high potential for having a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). A discriminant function analysis revealed…

Introduction: Adolescence is a period of physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional changes, where autonomy from parental control is demanded. Adolescents are often self-discovering, frequently adopting sexual and drug exploration behaviors. As a result, health status in both adolescence and adulthood can be influenced. Methods: A…

This study sought to develop a short version of the ADSI, and investigate its psychometric properties. Methods: This is a secondary analysis. Analysis to determine the Cronbach's Alpha, correlations to determine concurrent criterion validity and known instrument validity and a logistic regression to determine predictive validity were conducted.…

In this article we examine the importance of sensation seeking and pragmatism in the steroids and sports supplements behavior and attitudes of high school and junior high school students on Long Island, New York. Steroid use is much less acceptable than sports supplement use, although the reasons for use are similar. Respondents use supplements…

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…

This study examined long-term effects of a school/family/community substance abuse prevention partnership intervention lead by a Midwestern school district. Previous findings suggested that the program contributed to decreased tobacco and marijuana, but not alcohol, use prior to and after implementation between 1987 and 1991. The current study…

Examines the individual and neighborhood variation in perceived risk along dimensions of substance abuse and usage patterns. Risk perceptions were found to be more closely tied to one's direct experience with drugs rather than a general constellation of beliefs. Illustrates the complex links between individual and contextual factors in the…

Presents a model for resource allocation of state-prevention funds based on the relative need for prevention services measured in terms of composite risk-factor index scores computed for each county. Suggests that funding be based on the resource-allocation algorithms rather than the suggested amount of funding computed for each county.…

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)

Reports on Nevada's substance abuse prevention programs for youth. The overall prevention system in the state espouses a "risk and resiliency" approach. Analysis of the programs, using a focus group methodology, yields findings about potential outcomes as well as implicit program theories. Implications for planning and further evaluation…

Addresses a paradigm shift taking place in the field of substance-abuse prevention for youth. Introduces the youth development and empowerment (YD&E) approach, an innovative program for treating substance abuse and other problem behavior. Discusses the process of implementing the YD&E program. (MKA)

Study tests two models to compare the effects of risk and resiliency across gender and ethnicity. Results support the model in which risk and resiliency are discrete sets of factors and demonstrate that overall resiliency factors play a larger role than risk factors in substance use and drug resistance processes. Gender proved to be an important…

Examines the relationship of 2 dimensions of the theory of social development--vulnerability and protectivity--in 2 samples, schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 (n=1,454) and addictive drug users (n=170). Finds that the most important protective factors act against substance use. Finds that among the predictors of the addicts some forms of escape from…

Examines relationships between middle school/junior high student latchkey status and experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Results indicate latchkey youth who were home alone two or more days per week were four times more likely to have gotten drunk in the past month than youths who had parental supervision five or more times a week.…