Violence among students at school is an ever-growing problem. Bullying can be defined as all forms of repeated physical or mental violence performed by an individual on another person who is not capable of defending him/herself (Roland & Idsoe, 2001). The three studies conducted here reveal some of the characteristics and implications of this type…

Ecstasy (MDMA) has been added to the spectrum of illicit drugs used by college students. In this study, the authors estimated the prevalence of ecstasy use within a large college student sample and investigated the polydrug-use history of those ecstasy users. They administered an anonymous questionnaire to college students (N = 1,206) in…

In this article, the authors describe the refinement and preliminary evaluation of the Dimensions of Change in Therapeutic Community Treatment Instrument (DCI), a measure of treatment process. In Study 1, a 99-item DCI, administered to a cross-sectional sample of substance abuse clients (N = 990), was shortened to 54 items on the basis of results…

Cannabis use is increasingly prevalent among young adults in Canada. Due to cannabis' impairment effects, driving under the influence of cannabis has recently developed into a traffic-safety concern, yet little is known about the specific circumstances and factors characterizing this behavior among young people. In this study, we interviewed a…

Employment counselors have been resistant to working with persons in recovery from addiction except under the strictest of criteria. This article examines the relationship between this resistance and the concepts of addiction and addict. Following this is an examination of substance abuse recovery and practical suggestions on incorporating…

The major questions when considering substance abuse/dependence and personality are how these two constructs are related and how they interact. A review of the prevalence literature since 1986 documenting the co-occurrence of substance abuse disorders and personality disorders is presented in this study. Sampled are substance abuse and personality…

With few exceptions, virtually all research on the etiology of adolescent substance abuse has focused entirely on identifying risk factors while ignoring protective factors that insulate teenagers from drug involvement. This perspective fails to consider that protective forces may operate in both direct and interactive ways. This longitudinal…

Adolescent use of marijuana and tobacco has increased throughout the 1990s. Perhaps as a part of this trend, increasingly there have been reports of adolescents who use marijuana or tobacco cigarettes dipped in embalming fluid. Unfortunately, most of these reports involve young people coming for drug treatment, many of whom were incoherent. The…

This paper is about assisting teachers to identify and help to change and retain deviant students. The major focus is on the instruction and training of teachers on how alcohol and drugs affect a person's body and behavior, and the effective methods for helping to change that behavior. In order to accomplish this objective, the paper is divided…

Voluntary survey responses of adolescents in corrections facilities (N=893) are compared to those of adolescents in public schools. Findings are highlighted in the following areas: (1) "Youth, Their Families and Their Environments," which includes sections on population description, family composition and relationships, family alcohol…

Data from the "Monitoring the Future" study follow-up studies on drug use of young adults post-high school are presented. An introduction, overview of key findings, and study design and procedures (including discussions of validity and representativeness) are provided. Follow-up procedures and sampling issues are discussed. This report…

Using the Internet, people working to fight substance abuse can gather the information they need to write grant proposals, develop strategies and media campaigns, and contact legislators. The Internet also connects those working on similar issues, enhancing substance abuse education and prevention efforts. This Monthly Action Kit is a roadmap to…

A conference in Washington, D.C., brought together health care professionals and people working on substance abuse issues to take a look at what four communities have done to use the health care system as part of a strategy to address substance abuse. The four communities are Vallejo (California), Santa Barbara (California), Little Rock…

Illustrated with children's drawings, this booklet makes it clear why drug use is a serious matter for young people. Chapters include: (1) "How This Book Will Help You"; (2) "Laying the Groundwork", which guides parents in creating a space to talk about drugs with their children; (3) "Talking with Your Children…

The many faces of addiction are described; not only different types of addiction but also different stages. Information is presented on causes and treatments. Patterns of thought which support addictions are explored. This illustrated, readable compendium, which will be of use to teachers, counselors, parents, and students, offers brief, factual…