Argues that process evaluation is needed to validate prison-based substance abuse treatment effectiveness. Five groups--inmates, treatment staff, prison staff, prison administration, and the parole board--should be a part of this process evaluation. Discusses these five groups relative to three stages of development of substance abuse treatment in…

Collected data on the drinking behavior of 415 pregnant adolescents over a five-year period to examine relationships between knowledge and attitudes about drinking and drinking behavior. Results indicate that knowledge about drinking was related to a decrease in drinking among drinkers during pregnancy. Other results are reported. (RJM)

Presents findings of a study of the effectiveness of drug-abuse-prevention programs. Included a survey of 5,000 students and interviews with 249 students in 40 focus groups. Outlines components of effective drug education. (three references) (LMI)

A sample of 116 suicidal adolescent Hispanic females (70% of whom were Dominicans) were assessed on diagnostic, acculturative, and risk behavior instruments. Biculturalism and substance use were uniquely associated with sexual activity. High acculturation and psychopathology as a block were associated with substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, and…

In Salinas, California, a Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS)-funded program is helping children and their families grapple with issues pertaining to violence, substance abuse, mental health, and academic success. In just two years, the program has helped educators and service providers deter school crime, provide on-campus therapy to troubled…

Tests the Primary Socialization Hypothesis of deviant behavior in examining drug use in a sample of adolescents participating in a federally sponsored program for disadvantaged youth. The theory holds that peer, family, and schools are the principal agents in instilling pro-social norms in adolescents. As predicted by the theory, family and school…

Surveyed 12,000 university students from every state to determine drinking patterns. Significant differences in drinking patterns for all demographic groups were apparent. There were no differences in consumption and no differences in drinking-related problems when looking at age, type of school, and school size. Other findings are discussed. (RJM)

The Problem Recognition Questionnaire (PRQ), administered to 234 adolescents undergoing chemical dependency treatment, was examined with respect to its reliability, factor structure, and predictive validity. Results indicate that the PRQ (a measure of adolescent motivation to change substance-use behaviors) has acceptable reliability and potential…

Examined the school performance, suicidal involvement, disordered eating behaviors, pregnancy risk, and chemical use of female teenagers with a history of sexual abuse. Found that they reported higher rates of adverse outcomes than did teenagers without a background of abuse. Lists protective factors and risk factors that influenced outcomes. (RJM)

Describes a spiritual and therapeutic model of recovery. Presents program data collected over a three-year period and discusses the program's origins; its definition of alcoholism; its unifying principles, values, therapeutic assumptions and philosophy; resident characteristics and the residential program; and other components. Provides evaluation…

A study of resiliency was conducted among 236 urban juvenile detainees. Findings reveal that resiliency processes related differently to risk and protective factors, differed among ethnic groups, and varied by age and gender among juvenile detainees. (Contains 48 references and 4 tables.) (Author)

Used an ecological framework to examine predictors of delinquent behavior among Hispanic sixth graders. Student surveys assessed proximal and distal contextual factors. Overall, proximal variables such as peer and parental attachment did not contribute significantly to four aspects of delinquent behavior. Contextual factors accounted for a…

Article presents findings of a qualitative study conducted with a group of 19 American Indian students. Participants in small gender-specific focus groups reported on strategies most commonly used to avoid offers of alcohol and other drugs. Primary strategies identified were redirecting, avoiding/leaving, and refusing. Implications for…

Recommends the inclusion of cross-cultural competencies in therapeutic recreation practice and organizations, presenting narratives from two cross-cultural interactions (one of which involved an American Indian and one of which involved an African American) that ended with premature termination of treatment for substance dependency because of lack…

This pilot study aimed to establish the psychiatric morbidity in children remanded to prison custody using an age appropriate instrument, the K-SADS. The 19 boys interviewed showed high rates of affective disorders, substance misuse and conduct disorder. Study highlights the need to develop child and adolescent mental health services for children…