The contributions of specific scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) to the classification of 180 adolescent substance abusers into groups characterized by aspects of behavioral control were studied. Seven scales made significant contributions to the classification of substance abusers into three groups, with…

Examined the frequency and correlates of adolescent violent behaviors. Data from the 1992 South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that 47% of adolescent males and 13% of adolescent females carried weapons, and large numbers reported fighting. The strongest predictors of fighting and weapon carrying were alcohol and drug use, and sexual…

The overlap between personality and neurocognitive measures was examined in a sample of 182 adolescent psychiatric inpatients, half of whom were substance abusers. Both cognitive tests and observer-rated measures sensitive to impulsivity were specifically related to abuse of multiple substances, and aspects of inattention and depression were…

Compared the language capacities of children at high risk for substance abuse to low-risk children to uncover focal areas of deficit. Results indicate that high-risk subjects' performance was significantly poorer on several measures of language ability. Findings suggest that poor language mediation increases the risk for substance abuse. (RJM)

Synthetic estimation, key informant interviews, a telephone survey of agency directors, program budget analysis, construction of a statistical index for estimating optimum allocation of resources, and a review of legislation were among the techniques used to develop a statewide comprehensive substance abuse prevention program for Rhode Island.…

The Drug Use Screening Inventory's (DUSI) sensitivity in detecting adolescents (N=706) who abuse drugs is demonstrated. Severity of drug involvement and psychiatric disturbance correlated with scores on the School Adjustment domain. Recommends additional research be conducted to determine the predictive validity and temporal stability of DUSI…

Uses a review-of-reviews approach across four areas (substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, school failure, and juvenile delinquency and violence) to identify characteristics consistently associated with effective prevention programs. Programs were comprehensive, included varied teaching methods, provided sufficient dosage, were theory driven,…

Presents an introduction to the articles in this monograph examining the genetic, biochemical, and psychological components of substance use disorder liability. Highlights the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research's theory-guided comprehensive prospective research strategies and activities. (Contains 5 tables and 5 figures.) (GCP)

Evidence indicates that psychological dysregulation is an integral component of the liability for substance use disorder (SUD). This report discusses the rationale underlying the Dysregulation Inventory (DI), methods employed in item selection and scale construction, and preliminary results regarding psychometric properties. Results indicate that…

This paper presents the prevalence and incidence of children in need of social services due to child maltreatment, child poverty, parental incarceration, parental substance abuse problems, and homelessness. Examines early childhood family education and family support approaches in primary prevention designed to meet the needs of these children.…

Study researched the impact of the contextual characteristics of the community on self-reported 8th grade alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Results indicate that community disorganization is an important risk factor for ATOD use while family supports is an important protective factor. Greater economic constraints decreases, rather than…

Research compared Storytelling for Empowerment Program participants' pre and posttest responses on drug use. High contact participants had the most marked changes with a decrease in their alcohol and marijuana use. All participants in the last year of the program, regardless of contact hours, decreased their alcohol use and increased in their…

The TFA model focuses on behavior as interaction of thoughts, feelings, and actions, and seems to be useful in understanding circumstances contributing to substance abuse. TFA's Helping Cycle, which contains six stages: (1) assessment; (2) interpretation; (3) intervention; (4) probing; (5) deliberating; and (6) closing, provides a procedure to…

Investigated the association between 13 health risk and protective factors and reporting two or more lifetime sexual intercourse partners and non-condom use for last coitus among rural high school students. Data from the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlighted important relationships between prior sexual behavior, sexual and physical abuse,…

The purpose of this article is to provide school counselors with a systems perspective of substance abuse. The following topics are addressed: the symptomatology of adolescent substance abuse; a systemic perspective on such abuse; the role of the family in the perpetuation and healing if this dysfunction; and the role of the school counselor in…