Based on questionnaire responses, 139 ninth and twelfth graders were divided into low and high drug use groups. High use subjects viewed drug use as less harmful than did low use subjects and were less likely to view parents or the law as authorities concerning drug use. (BC)

Questionnaire and interview data from 37 high school students suggest that presence of at least one parental figure with whom adolescents could talk openly was associated with lower levels of all substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, other drugs). Found no evidence that openness with close friend or perceived pressure from friends was…

In effective therapeutic adventure experiences that incorporate metaphoric transfer, the metaphor contains isomorphs that link the experience to client needs and therapeutic issues. Use of metaphoric transfer in a therapeutic experience for substance abusers is described. Seven steps for creating appropriate metaphoric experiences are outlined.…

Compared 40 adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) to 40 non-ACAs on problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, shame, suicidal ideation, and substance use; examined gender differences among ACAs; explored relations between problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, and shame in predicting suicidal ideation and substance use. ACAs…

The weeks just prior to conception and the early weeks of pregnancy are extremely crucial. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, parents can give their babies a head start toward a healthy life. Both men and women play an important role in preconception planning and behavior. (SM)

This paper examines the increased risk for substance abuse faced by students with emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and learning disabilities. The paper discusses approaches to substance abuse prevention in regular education, application of such programs for special populations, and suggestions for expanding programs to address specific…

Surveyed 97 adults self-identified as coming from dysfunctional families. Although level of family dysfunction was generally high, no significant differences were observed between adult children of alcoholics and adults from families whose dysfunction was not due to substance abuse. Degree of family dysfunction was significantly associated with…

This paper examines, from a quantitative psychological perspective, recent literature on shame and its relationship to behavioral disorders for applicability to university health education. Topics cover shame and mental illness, eating disorders, substance abuse, and the measurement of shame. A curriculum for psychological health is discussed.…

At 4-year followup on 110 Mexican-American adolescents in a drug abuse prevention program, association with deviant peers was strongly predictive of alcohol and drug use and criminality, whereas parental influences were minor predictors. Low school satisfaction was related to greater drug use, particularly for females. (Author/SV)

Discusses confidentiality in counseling, basing comments on ethical standards of American Association for Counseling and Development and National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors, as well as federal regulations adopted for drug and alcohol abuse treatment. Discusses disclosures with and without client consent and special…

One month test-retest reliability of the Revised Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) was examined in 88 methadone-maintained males, along with effects of increased information about patients on PCL-R scores and diagnostic derivations. Test-retest reliabilities are quite good. Other findings also confirm potential utility of the PCL-R for research. (SLD)

Considers how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and substance use are changing child welfare practice. Briefly presents case examples and statistics to illustrate scope of problem and need for caregiver training. Describes Caregiver Training Project, effort to develop training materials to enhance ability of parent educators and other family…

Examines how the coexisting risk factors of sexual abuse and parental substance use contribute to psychopathology in women. Results indicate that depression, trauma symptoms, antisocial behaviors, and suicidal behaviors are related to childhood experiences of sexual and physical abuse. The need for future research to examine multiple childhood…

Examines characteristics that predict treatment outcomes for adolescents in inpatient (N=157) versus outpatient (N=296) treatment. Results show that a number of the characteristics found prognostics for adolescents are different from those reported from other studies for adult substance abusers. (MKA)

Examined relationships between high school students' tobacco use and other substance use, intentional injury risk behaviors, and sexual risk behaviors. One-half of students used no tobacco, one-fourth used one tobacco product, and 19.5 percent used more than one tobacco product. Generally, students who used tobacco also engaged in other substance…