Quantitative and qualitative methods explored the relationships among depression and substance use across suburban (164 students) and inner-city (242 students) high schools. Qualitative analyses suggest that quantitative differences in these relationships may be related to the meanings of depression and substance use in the cultural context. (SLD)

The problems presented by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and abuse among college students are varied and sometimes complex. College student health services should continue to take a leadership role in addressing substance abuse issues on campus, through efforts to change both behavior and environment. (MSE)

This study, involving 127 poor black pregnant girls (12 to 18 years old) of whom 33% reported previous physical or sexual abuse, found that abused adolescents scored significantly higher on stress and depression scales and rated their families as less supportive than did nonabused adolescents. Abused adolescents were also more likely to report…

Researchers examined the extent of drug and alcohol use among 255 4-H youth. When results were compared to local school surveys, no statistically significant differences emerged between 4-H members' drug and alcohol use and student use. Seventy percent of 4-H members indicated that 4-H had influenced their attitudes about substance use. (RJM)

Outlines what is required of school districts for compliance with new regulations that require employers to test drivers with a commercial driver's license for the illegal use of alcohol and controlled substances. (MLF)

The multivariate generalizability of the Role Functioning Scale (RFS), which serves as a replacement for the global ratings of the Social Adjustment Scale, was studied with 396 severely disturbed clients of a public mental-health bureau. Generalizability of single subscales was less than that of the combined subscales. (SLD)

Data from a national survey for 872 white adolescents (470 males and 402 females) are used to examine the relationships between parental control and juvenile delinquency. Parental controls significantly inhibit delinquency more often for males than females. For males, these controls are more effective in middle adolescence. (SLD)

The level of accurate health knowledge that young adult women possess regarding selected information dealing with nutrition; disease; and over-the-counter, prescription, and social drugs is discussed. Sections include the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and implications for biology teachers. (KR)

The relationship between substance use (tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol) and conduct problems and delinquency was investigated for 2,573 boys in grades one, four, and seven in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Substance use is an indicator of boys who exhibit problem behaviors. Results are related to a developmental conceptualization of these problems.…

A survey of 168 American Indian (primarily Navajo) high school seniors in New Mexico examined experiences with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs; sources of information about these substances; and student attitudes, perceptions of risk, perceptions of parent attitudes, and reasons for not using. Implications for drug education are discussed. (SV)

In Tacoma, Washington, the Safe Street Campaign united the schools, government agencies, labor groups, community and religious organizations, businesses, youth, and substance abuse agencies in responding to gangs and drugs. (MLF)

Researchers examined special educators' attitudes regarding mandated curriculum, readiness for teaching, and responsibility for providing instruction on sex education, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. Teachers supported mandated education, felt most comfortable teaching sex education, and considered parents responsible for teaching the…

Found high rate of suicide attempts and ideation among 229 seventh- through ninth-grade American Indian students on reserves in Alberta. Prevalence of suicidality was very similar to rates reported for Navajo youth. Controlling for age, risk factors for suicide attempts were heavy alcohol use, no father in home, sleeping problems, and low…

Studies on race-based admissions, sports and sex, and religion and drugs suggest that: affirmative action policies were successful regarding college admissions; boys who play sports are more likely to be sexually active than their peers, with the opposite true for girls; and religion is a major factor in whether teens use cigarettes, alcohol, and…

Case studies of four adolescent boys with behavioral disorders in four wilderness therapy programs identified time alone for reflection, a non-confrontive and caring approach by staff, and the role of wilderness as helpful common elements. Outcomes attributed to these elements included better family relationships, abstinence from drugs and…