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…

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)

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)

Cummings (1979), citing evidence from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, reports that one of every eleven adult Americans suffers from a severe addictive problem. Drug addiction is epidemic among teenagers; one of every six teenagers suffers from a severe addictive problem. This paper focuses on adolescent drug/substance abuse. (Author)

Discussed the home environments of drug users vs. non-drug users and considered the influence of the father upon adolescent social attitudes. (RK)

Investigated variables that predicted success in adolescent inpatient drug treatment program for 94 polydrug abusers. Based prognosis on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory, Wechsler IQ, and historical variables. Found favorable outcome associated with having fewer legal difficulties, fewer…

Discusses the emergence of a new type of abused drug, dextromethorphan, which is used in cough syrup. Presents the results of the first phase of a comprehensive investigation of this phenomenon in the Waynesboro, Pa. school district. Survey data indicate abuse of cough syrup has increased over the years and is increasingly perceived as a problem…

Compared 15 male prostitutes and 15 nonprostitutes from same cohort. Found heavier drug and alcohol use, more limited vocational success and aspirations, and greater alcohol use among family members of male prostitutes. Male prostitutes were also more likely to identify themselves as drug or alcohol addicted. No significant differences were found…

Investigates treatment outcomes for all admissions to an adolescent chemical dependency program over a 10-month period. Interviews with parents of patients were conducted. The effect of various pretreatment and treatment factors on outcomes were investigated. Better treatment outcome was associated with older adolescents, greater participation in…

Describes a program for older adolescents exhibiting substance use problems. After initial assessment and referral, most patients enter outpatient treatment groups. Groups fulfill three purposes: (1) Staff monitors clients; (2) Help clients recognize the promise of recovery; and (3) Change behavior. Difficulties of working with multiple community…

Examined the importance of students' academic performance levels and extracurricular activities as predictors of drug involvement relative to peer influence. Data were obtained from 2,229 randomly selected students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades from school districts in northeastern Ohio. At all grade levels, involvement in extracurricular…