A brief history of Substance Use Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is presented, and the symptoms of substance dependence are presented. Substance dependence is distinguished from substance abuse. Assessment instruments, including laboratory tests and interviews for diagnosing substance use disorders, are…

Discusses the particular consequences of high-risk behavior for adolescent women, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, school dropout and poverty, developmental disabilities, and poor school performance. Considers the role of male partners in teenage women's high risk behavior. Describes prevention efforts such as…

Investigates substance use patterns among 192 pregnant substance-using women to assess whether ethnic differences exist regarding drugs of choice, frequency and recency of use, and severity of use. Results reveal that substance use patterns differed across ethic groups. Findings suggest that prevention and intervention efforts have to be tailored…

Examines the issues that face child welfare and substance abuse treatment professionals as they attempt to address the needs of chemically-dependent mothers and their children. Addresses these challenges and recommends strategies for forming new alliances and closing gaps in service delivery. (JPS)

Describes a study of a clinical sample of 72 women who allegedly abused 332 children. Perspectives include whether the abuse was intrafamilial, extrafamilial, or both, and whether the abuse involved single or multiple abusers. Also examines situational factors, individual deficits, and other factors that might lead women to sexually abuse…

Reports findings from an exploratory study of HIV knowledge and risk behaviors among 60 teenagers and young men engaged in the street life of Hollywood, California. Data suggest that although community-based education efforts may be associated with lower-risk behavior among this population, the overall risk profiles of these socially marginalized…

Interviews 74 youth who were being rearrested frequently by police about aspects of their family and social lives. Data revealed high levels of family disruption and a third claimed to be unemployed with few involved in constructive day-to-day activities. Drug and alcohol use were widespread and heavy, and there was evidence of many attempts to…

Fifty-five schools implemented substance abuse prevention programs, some received additional support from an outside innovator. Findings are interpreted from an ecological systems approach and in relationship to development and environment factors. Theoretical and programmatic implications are discussed, and recommendations for school social…

Studied the influence of maternal substance abuse upon the placement of children in out-of-home care and the subsequent effects on mother-child visitation. Found five major factors that can promote or inhibit visiting: (1) mother's drug use and health status; (2) effect of visits on child; (3) transportation; (4) scheduling/visit settings; and (5)…

Assessed six categories of college students' health risk behaviors. Student survey data indicated that respondents were engaging in risk behaviors that could impact educational achievement and lead to serious consequences. Youth tended to enter college with established patterns of risk. Most regularly consumed large amounts of alcohol. Differences…

Children of Drug Court clients are at high-risk for substance abuse and other risk factors. This paper summarizes the results of a program needs assessment, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation from the Kentucky Drug Court Strengthening Families Pilot Program. Results indicated overall positive changes for families in the program.…

This article examines the work behaviors related to counseling substance-abusing clients by mental health service providers in multiservice mental health agencies. The results support the need for specialized knowledge and skills in working with substance-abusing clients. (Author)

Describes a program to strengthen involvement of non-custodial fathers in their children's lives in an impoverished metropolitan area. Provides a demographic profile of fathers and their visitation frequency. Includes descriptions of parenting groups, vocational and educational assistance, and substance abuse interventions. Concludes that the…

Investigates the relationship of terminal core values to delinquency, substance use, and sexual behavior in a sample of high school students. Groups valuing fun/enjoyment and security were strongly identified with delinquency and substance use. Groups valuing self-respect, sense of accomplishment, and sense of belonging exhibited low frequency of…

Using a theoretical model, specific hypotheses about factors that moderate the benefits of attending the Preparing for the Drug-Free Years program were tested. Results for fathers (n=144) show that high levels of family stress reduce the benefits of program attendance and strong pre-program skills increase the benefits of program attendance.…