The heritability of substance dependence (SD) liability is based on polymorphisms at the genes that are likely to be related to the function of the central nervous system. We have recently shown an association between the dopamine D5 receptor gene and SD liability. We report herein a replication of this association in an independent case-control…

Study explores distinctions between chemically dependent suicide attempters, chemically dependent nonsuicidal adolescents, and high school students with no history of chemical dependency (N=250). Results reveal that there were significant differences between the chemically dependent groups. It was also found that the majority of suicidal gestures…

The use of cocaine has become a significant part of the recreational drug scene among college students. A historical overview of cocaine is presented that begins with the history of the coca plant and includes discussion of how prominent physicians experimented with the drug on themselves and their patients. (Author/DF)

Presents second part of two-part series reviewing the published literature of smokeless tobacco in the United States. Explores smokeless tobacco as a pharmacologically addicting substance, discusses educational interventions designed to prevent use or help users quit, and outlines areas of future research. (Author)

Classifies school-based prevention activities into the following five educational domains: (1) cognitive; (2) affective/interpersonal; (3) behavioral; (4) environmental; and (5) therapeutic. Discusses research findings for each domain. (Author/LHW)

Reviews the literature on drug abuse in Nigeria, extracting some of the psychosocial variables involved. Family problems, social factors, and medical practices are discussed. Psychosocial variables implicated are not different from those observed in other cultures. (JAC)

This publication summarizes the activities of the most recent meeting of the nation's most influential drug abuse professionals and measures progress in a variety of areas. Outcomes of symposia, meetings, and presentations are discussed. Symposia include: (1) "Is Dopamine the Answer? Evidence for the Importance of Other Systems in the…

Examines treatment perceptions of youth adjudicated to a residential treatment facility. Participants were randomly assigned to standard or mapping-enhanced counseling. Mapping residents rated group sessions as deeper over time; rated themselves as more motivated to get along with staff; and tended to be more motivated to engage in the treatment…

The Current Controversies series explores social, political, and economic controversies that dominate the national and international scenes today from a variety of perspectives. Recent surveys have shown that, after years of decline, drug use among teenagers has increased during the 1990s, and that alcohol and tobacco use have remained…

Individuals are considered mentally ill chemical abusers (MICAs) when they exhibit psychotic behaviors and are actively abusing alcohol and/or drugs; are actively psychotic with a history of alcohol or drug abuse; and/or are actively abusing alcohol or other drugs and have a history of severe psychiatric diagnoses. Although some practitioners use…

The effects of drug abuse and dependence vary, depending on the type of drug, polydrug use, and characteristics of the user. The influence of genetic, neurochemical, neuropsyiological, sociocultural, and economic factors suggest that the etiology of substance abuse and dependence is multiply determined. Models explaining the causation of substance…

Investigates the uniqueness and complexity of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse recovery, particularly the early years and events catalyzing the surrender process. Offers individual interviews of seven adolescents who surrendered their alcohol and drug addictions and constructed sober identities through participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. (GCP)

Published twice a year and distributed nationwide, "Strategies for Success" keeps readers informed about events and developments in the field of drug testing. It reports the latest research findings on the effectiveness of drug testing as a tool for reducing substance abuse. Each issue also provides a wealth of guidance and resources on…

The safe and effective use of medication is a concern for both older women patients and older women as caregivers. In 1989, twice as many antidepressants were prescribed for women as for men, and older women are more likely to have such drugs prescribed for them. According to studies, older women who live alone have the highest use of both…

Examines the extent of adolescent drug abuse and alcoholism, psychological factors that lead to drug abuse and drinking, and treatment approaches that have been used with young people. Focuses on drug-abusing family systems and the roles of the school and the community in combatting drug abuse. (Author/GC)