Describes a study that questioned adolescents about their parent-adolescent conversations regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Notes that fewer than half had engaged in such a conversation and that more adolescents preferred talking with their mothers than with other family members. Advocates a clearer definition of the parent-adolescent…

Studied 617 high school and college students prior to and after substance abuse instruction to determine relationship between perceptions and demographic characteristics, and to learn whether substance abuse instruction was related to changes in student's perception of relationships. Findings from Marihuana Perception Inventory showed five factors…

Examined tobacco prevention education practices and curriculum in North Carolina Public Schools by analysis of 125 questionnaires completed by school districts and school representatives from 321 middle schools. Found 101 districts had adopted a systemwide curriculum, a large percentage of districts were using commercially published materials, and…

The lack of agreement on the nature and extent of the problem of prenatal exposure to substances is discussed. Comprehensive coordination of services is called for. The 14 programs in the Los Angeles County Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) are discussed. (GH)

Describes the development of Project 4-Health, a California program that recruits and trains teenagers to deliver a tobacco education program to children ages 9-12. The program was based on studies involving the social context of tobacco use, a survey of 4-H members, and randomized field trials of the prevention curriculum. (LP)

Inhalant abuse often starts as young as sixth grade. Inhalants are attractive to children because they are cheap and accessible. Though inhalant use has significant consequences, many parents fail to recognize the signs of abuse. The article suggests how to prevent inhalant abuse or intervene when there is a problem. A list of products abusers…

Proposes a curriculum for dental/dental hygiene schools that would teach oral health care providers how to routinely assess tobacco use, advise cessation, and provide assistance and follow-up for tobacco-using patients. The article emphasizes the importance of making tobacco interventions routine components of schools' clinical teaching programs.…

This study examined associations between selected characteristics and background historical events of subjects and chronic delinquency, defined as the number of adjudicated offenses. Results indicate that family functioning had a strong association. Other factors include early age at first adjudication, out-of-home placements, having been abused,…

Of 100 adolescents screened for drug use, 43% tested positive for drugs of abuse. Twenty-five percent of these adolescents entered treatment, with 8% requiring medical detoxification or inpatient treatment. Urine screening, when done for clinical rather than punitive purposes, appeared to facilitate entry into treatment. (RJM)

Examines elementary school counselors' perspectives about the effects of parental substance abuse on children of substance abusers (COSAs) and the counselor's role and ability to meet these children's needs. Identifies the school-based services available to COSAs, perceived barriers to providing services, and counselors' experience with family…

Reports a survey of junior and senior high school students that investigated the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid use and examined gender, sports participation, and illicit drug use. Results indicated the prevalence of steroid use was 3.3%. Steroid use was greater for males, users of other drugs, and strength trainers. (SM)

Examines the relationship between contextual variables and situational expectation of drug use at the school level. Results indicate that the more prosperous the school and the greater the students' perceptions of academic expectations, the lower the situational expectation of smoking cigarettes or taking depressants. However, the higher the…

Examined 547 college students' adjustment. Results indicated significant main effects for gender but not for alcoholic parentage. Gender differences occurred for alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and other problems. Findings suggested that, in terms of adjustment, college students from alcoholic homes should not be distinguished from the general…

Using the 1988-90 American Drug and Alcohol Survey data, compares drug use (lifetime and 30-day prevalence) among reservation and nonreservation American Indians and non-Indians in grades 8 and 12 in 1988-90. Found highest rates of drug use (marijuana, cocaine, crack, stimulants, inhalants, hallucinogens, and other drugs), alcohol use, and smoking…

Surveys of students in grades 8 and 12 revealed that high-risk behaviors and serious consequences (including arrests, accidents, and interpersonal problems) related to drug and alcohol use were most frequent among reservation Indian youth and least frequent among non-Indians, with nonreservation Indian youth intermediate. (SV)