Discusses the potential of self-help/mutual-aid groups as a way to reduce the demand for professional substance-abuse treatment and proposes a model that combines the two approaches for cost-effective and therapeutically effective networks of services. (SLD)

Studied role of nonshared parent and peer influences on siblings as predictors of adolescent cigarette smoking onset. Found peer influences were predictors of smoking onset when shared influences were controlled. Nonshared peer influences on siblings were stronger in educated families. Findings highlight utility of controlling for shared…

Followed students annually from sixth through eighth grade to determine: (1) susceptibility to peer influence to misbehave, exposure to peer drinking, and alcohol overindulgence; (2) cohort and gender differences; and (3) moderating influences. Found that the exposure/overindulgence relationship varied as a function of initial susceptibility.…

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)

Examined variability in adolescent-friend similarity in African American, Asian American, and European American adolescents. Found greatest similarity for substance use, modest for academic orientation, and low for ethnic identity. Found that compared with other groups, African Americans chose friends who were less similar in academic orientation…

The structural relations among depression, suicidal ideation, gateway substance abuse, and hard substance use were studied with continuation high school students considered at high risk for drug abuse. Significant differences among factor correlations for the various ethnic groups were found, and implications are discussed. (SLD)

An 18-year longitudinal study explored relationships between retrospective reports of exposure to interparental violence in childhood and rate of psychosocial adjustment problems in 1,265 New Zealanders. Participants who reported exposure to interparental violence had elevated rates of adjustment problems at age 18, including mental-health…

Describes a training project for high school counselors which expanded their roles in the prevention, early detection, and appropriate referral of students at high risk for substance abuse. Counselors not only learned to work as facilitators of support groups for these students, they also reported greater self-efficacy, comfort, confidence, and…

Examines the relationship between eating disorders and history of physical abuse, incest, and extrafamilial sexual abuse. Results of a survey of adolescents (n=6,224) indicate that eating disorders are correlated with all 3 types of abuse. Presence of an eating disorder also correlates with presence of other addictive behaviors, family history of…

This report details demographic factors associated with 119 cases of physical child abuse occurring in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Findings address severity of abuse, age factors, perpetrator characteristics, family social class, family problems, psychological disorders, and substance abuse. (DB)

Discusses a study of 250 high school students who participated in weekly peer support groups. The program was accepted and showed signs of success, helping alcohol and substance users reduce their intake and helping keep potential dropouts in school. Indicates peer support groups can help in early recognition and management of emotional and…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Trading Cards Program to positively influence elementary students' (n=829) perceptions about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The program used drug-free high school students to model behaviors and social competencies. Significant differences were found between elementary students in the…

Reports findings from a national assessment of drug problems and antidrug initiatives in small cities and towns (n=157) in the United States. Examines the importance of drug problems in small jurisdictions compared with other problems, the type of drug problems reported, the "most important" antidrug programs, and other issues. (JPS)

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.…

The Houston (Texas) Independent School District instructs 2,500 students annually that are homebound, hospitalized, or in agency settings through a separate campus called Community Services. Five administrators, 130 teachers, and 52 assistants operate the program. Teachers travel to the students and even though they are responsible for preparing…