Among 68 urban American Indians attending a substance abuse treatment program in Denver, most (1) were not active in Indian religion or culture; (2) had low educational attainment and very low income; (3) underestimated the severity of their problems; and (4) did not finish the program. Contains 11 references. (SV)

Discusses the need for culturally specific approaches to effective substance abuse intervention among urban youth. Discusses high risk youth and the communities in which they live. Presents possible ethnocultural intervention strategies. (JS)

This study investigated the impact of the nonoffending mother's childhood history and current functioning upon the psychological status and placement decisions for 68 sexually abused black girls. Maternal substance abuse and dissatisfaction with social support were significantly associated with lack of maternal support to the child, more abuse…

Social-historical lineages of adolescent alcohol and other drug use prevention programs are examined, tracing risk factor research from assumptions of deviance regarding the mentally ill and considering patterns that have inhibited advances in prevention. To achieve program success, protective factor and harm reduction approaches must be explored.…

Describes the multiple needs of the substance-abusing mother and her infant, challenges faced by people working with this population, and the experience of a comprehensive-care treatment facility in meeting those needs. General recommendations for practitioners treating this unique population are also included. (Author/CR)

A survey of 246 clients aged 11-63 from 15 Aboriginal addiction-treatment centers across Canada examined nicotine-related behavior and attitudes and other addictive behaviors. Over three-quarters of respondents were smokers. Males and females differed in reasons for beginning and quitting smoking. Data tables detail client characteristics, drug…

Evaluated extent to which stress, coping strategies, and social support were associated with depressive symptoms, poor physical health, and substance use in homeless youth. Found that stressful life events were associated with depressive symptoms, poor physical health, and substance use. Problem-focusing coping and social support counteracted some…

Describes three therapeutic group activities used with adolescents, adults, or families in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection. Activities involve moving beyond…

Investigates environmental and behavioral risk factors as predictors of involvement in violent behavior among African American youth. Analyzed risk factors include exposure to violence, deteriorated school environment, negative peer environment, traumatic experiences, alcohol use, and substance abuse. Explores gender differences and suggests that…

Describes the mental-health and medical services provided at a high-school-based service center. Five years after the center's inception mental health visits had quadrupled. One third of students utilizing the center reported substance abuse within their family. Other reasons for center use included pregnancy, suicidal ideation, obesity,…

Many homeless youth may be considered "thrownaway" in that they have specifically been told to leave home. Prevalence data, family background characteristics, and high-risk behaviors of youth are examined in two national samples: (1) youth residing in shelters; (2) street youth in 10 cities. Implications of findings are discussed.…

Describes how non-Southeast Asian instructors, over a two-year period, designed and taught courses for Cambodian and Vietnamese human-service workers. Discusses the difficulty of modifying standard questionnaires for these participants and the limited benefits of formal evaluation processes. Several insights, however, were gleaned through…

Discusses several postulates of empowerment theory particularly relevant to guiding the practice and analysis of substance-abuse prevention and education programs. The empowerment model predicts that the empowerment of students and staff will increase both the effectiveness and the longevity of programs. (EMK)

Reports on the results of a study of 119 youth at the Hillsborough County, Florida, Juvenile Assessment Center involving community-based intervention. Results indicate that males were more involved in delinquent activities, whereas females came from troubled family backgrounds. Presents conclusions regarding the health service implications of…

Study used self-report questionnaire data from high school students to determine the relation between adolescents' perception of family characteristics and adolescent substance use patterns. Results indicate adolescents' perception of maternal substance use, family hardiness, and age of the adolescent were significant predictors of substance use.…