Foster care children (N=27), ages 1-29 months, who were exposed in-utero to cocaine and other drugs were evaluated for neurodevelopmental status, caregiver sensitivity, and other factors. Findings indicate that 28% were at risk for cognitive delay and over half exhibited suspect or abnormal neurological signs. Implications for intervention,…

Investigates ways in which homophobia and heterosexism constitute barriers to treatment for lesbian and gay youth in need of addictions services. Interviews with 17 gay and lesbian youth show barriers to include marginalization, deflection and contradiction, outing, harassment, early discharge, and misinformed staff. Recommendations are made for…

Examines the relationship of 2 dimensions of the theory of social development--vulnerability and protectivity--in 2 samples, schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 (n=1,454) and addictive drug users (n=170). Finds that the most important protective factors act against substance use. Finds that among the predictors of the addicts some forms of escape from…

There is growing evidence that cannabis can have negative effects on health. While the ongoing debate about the nature and duration of these effects recognizes mild cognitive impairment, the evidence for irreversibility of cognitive impairment and causal links with psychiatric illness is not conclusive. There is undoubtedly potential for…

Research on family risk factors for addictive behaviors in young people has not paid a great deal of attention to parents' knowledge of their children's addictive behaviors and of the family risk factors that affect such behaviors. The aim of this work is to compare knowledge about these two aspects in two groups of parents that differ regarding…

This study used photography as a therapeutic tool and a present-focused approach in a 12-week group intervention to treat adults with chemical dependence enrolled in an outpatient treatment program. A qualitative analysis identified themes related to the topics of trust, honesty, self-worth, power, and abuse. Self-esteem, abuse, and trauma-related…

This study investigated the incidence of alcohol and/or drug abuse within families of emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered children, and the effectiveness of an alcohol and drug awareness curriculum for these children. Subjects were 116 children, aged 6-15, attending a residential and day treatment center. While 35.3% of the children were…

This study investigated the questions of whether addicts have more negative self-attitudes than their matched controls, and if they do, whether the constructs of self theory are able to explain the differences. Subjects were selected from white middle socioeconomic status (WMSES) narcotic addicts being treated under the Narcotic Addict…

For several years, the Federal government of the United States has supported programs that employ and teach skills to disadvantaged workers, especially disadvantaged youth. By concentrating on serving youth, such programs have neglected disadvantaged adults, for whom such programs may often be more effective. This assertion is based on an…

Results of a national survey of drug use among young males (19-30) are reported. For most drugs, half or more of the users used the drug less than 10 times. The data suggest a possible decline in the use of cigarettes. Several implications of the drug epidemic of the late 1960's are noted. Differences of drug use between blacks and whites seem to…

This follow-up study of 202 Vietnam veterans from the Philadelphia Metropolitan area focuses on: (1) the current level of alcohol use; (2) depressive symptomatology as measured by a standardized and validated instrument; and (3) the relationship between preservice variables and addiction status in Vietnam to postservice adjustment. Data pertaining…

In this report a program of supported work developed by the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor and the Ford Foundation is discussed. Supported work is designed for the disadvantaged, people who face barriers in seeking and holding regular jobs. A pilot program for former drug addicts was begun in 1972 by the Vera…

Patients in an outpatient narcotic antagonist treatment program were followed through their course of treatment. Those who remained longer were found to enter treatment with more stable employment records and less recent opiate use. They also appeared more successful at termination, with better vocational stability, less extraneous drug use, and…

Assesses the state of addiction-related training taken from a telephone survey of accredited counselor education programs (N=86). Results reveal that 30% required courses in substance abuse/dependency issues. Reviews syllabi, numbers and types of courses, course requirements, and course texts. Most respondents (97%) indicated that addiction…

Examined attitudes toward smoking, current smoking behavior, mental health difficulties, and nicotine addiction among 38 pregnant women, mothers of young children, and their partners in East Surrey, England. Found that 11 female respondents presented symptoms of depression, anxiety, or social dysfunction. Smokers did not differ from ex-smokers or…