Administered a questionnaire to 677 Latino and white late adolescents (grades 11, 12 and post-high school) examining both risk factors and protective factors related to frequency and/or quantity of cigarette, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and hard drug use. Risk and protection accounted for different amounts of variance across the various types of…

Reviews empirical studies addressing acculturation across a variety of psychosocial variables. Two methodological weaknesses in the studies were (1) lack of a satisfactory scale to assess acculturation; and (2) excessive reliance on self-reports for information perceived as "personal" to Hispanics. Presents recommendations to improve…

Studied 76 adolescents admitted to dual diagnosis unit of private psychiatric hospital, 72 of whom identified themselves as chemically dependent. Results support idea that chemically dependent adolescents may have compulsive/addictive behaviors in more areas than drug and alcohol abuse. More than 50% of subjects saw themselves as having symptoms…

Literature review on relationship between adolescent chemical dependency and family factors yielded two broad categories: family drug usage patterns and family atmosphere. Found strong relationship between adolescent substance abuse and family drug usage, family composition, family interaction patterns, and discrepancies in family perceptions.…

Recognizing that families are a powerful force in preventing or intervening in negative youth behaviors, the Gridely (Arizona) Middle School's substance abuse/intervention team launched a program to promote the positive aspects of family life. Family week activities included a local teen theater presentation featuring vignettes on timely topics,…

Introduces an issue on the causes, consequences, and social response to homelessness, with contributions by scholars in anthropology, history, medicine, sociology, economics, public administration, law, and psychology. Much attention has been given to the problems of homeless individuals; this issue attempts a comprehensive overview of the…

Examined the effects of prenatal drug exposure on adopted children's behavior, temperament, health, and school adjustment by comparing the experiences of 3 cohorts of children: (1) 320 drug-exposed children; (2) 456 children who were not drug exposed; and (3) 620 children whose drug exposure was unknown. Two years after placement no significant…

Prevalence and specific types of substance abuse were examined in sample of 206 cases of child abuse or neglect brought before juvenile court. In 43 percent of the cases, at least one parent had a documented problem with alcohol or drugs. Results are discussed in terms of prediction and the importance of screening and treatment of parental…

Examined relationships among depression, meaninglessness, suicide ideation, and substance abuse among 48 high school students and 113 adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Correlational analyses indicated that high school students who viewed themselves negatively, were depressed, or who had found little meaning in their lives were more likely to…

The ravages of illegal drugs and gangs are growing discernibly worse in many American cities. Schools and school boards are going to have to sustain hope by finding the courage to oppose youth violence, gang terrorism, and drug trafficking and consumption. (MLF)

Notes that theory-based approach to treatment of codependency is missing in fields of chemical dependency and mental health. Presents Bowen family systems therapy as foundation and framework for treatment goals and interventions. Illustrates similarities between characteristics of low levels of differentiation of self and codependency. (Author/NB)

The Resilient Children Making Health Choices Project is an early-childhood-prevention initiative designed to promote health and social competence in young children by training their teachers in skills aimed at nurturing children's resilient development. Analysis revealed increases in teacher instructional skills and improvements in children's…

A decrease in community involvement in a substance-abuse prevention program for teens was attributed to lack of diversity in program planners (mostly health professionals) and awareness but lack of action among community members. The project worked to generate parent participation and ownership of the program. (SK)

Analysis of published studies of deaf mentally ill inpatients indicates a greater overall prevalence of mental illness in the deaf population than in the general population. Characteristic symptoms leading to hospitalization of deaf people tend to be different from those of hearing patients. For both hearing and deaf patients, dual diagnosis…

Among 66 Latina mothers in a residential substance abuse treatment program, 80% reported childhood experiences of abuse. Compared to other female participants, women abused as children were more likely to be predominantly Spanish speakers, to have health problems, to have had children removed from their custody, and to drop out quickly from…