Criticizes a "Cosby Show" episode for airing mixed messages about teenage drinking. Instead of negotiating a logical consequence for their daughter's misbehavior, the TV parents (the Huxtables) projected the message that drunkenness is funny and a hangover is a fitting punishment. (MLH)

This article identifies several issues related to alcohol abuse among American Indians, issues which are unresolved because of lack of evaluation or investigation. These issues include genetic susceptibility, prohibition, gender differences, social drinking, and community therapy. Approaches to prevention and treatment are briefly outlined. (IAH)

Contends that adolescent and elderly populations both exhibit attitudes, behavior, feelings, and reasons for alcohol and drug abuse that appear to be similar. Suggests that study of pediatrics can play role in development of geriatric movement by sharing common issues of both groups. Applies Erikson's stages of development to illustrate similarity…

Because controlled drinking is achievable by younger people with fewer alcohol-related problems, moderation rather than abstinence is realistic goal for most young offenders. Behavioral self-control training is one type of intervention which can effectively encourage moderate drinking. Studying effects young offenders expect alcohol to have under…

"Voices of Youth" section presents discussion with young people in a Duluth, Minnesota, treatment facility for adolescents with alcohol and behavioral problems. Adolescents discuss when they first tried alcohol, what they had to give up because of drinking, how their behavior changed, how they decided to get help, and how helpful treatment…

Focus on the designated driver strategy by broadcasters and the alcohol industry deflects attention from other alcohol-related problems and the factors influencing underage alcohol consumption. Strategies should emphasize sobriety checkpoints, no sales to minors, advertising reform, and excise taxes on alcohol. (SK)

In many ways young people appear to be using and abusing alcohol as a ritual in their "rites of passage" to adulthood, perhaps as a symbolic means to demonstrate their "adultness." Anthropologists have documented the importance of rites of passage rituals for marking the successful passage from one position in a social…

Notes that most individuals who receive treatment for alcohol or other drug problems fail to maintain abstinence. Sees it as essential that school counselors be aware of relapse prevention strategies and use these strategies proactively when adolescents complete treatment. Discusses strategies, adapted from work using cognitive-behavioral…

Alcohol and drug use may be a significant part of the adolescent, high school experience. Programs should be based on an understanding of attitudes and patterns of use, and how change occurs. Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion is a framework with which to examine attitude change and provide a base for building sound drug prevention…

The testimony heard by the National Commission against Drunk Driving on how to prevent alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, which constitute the leading cause of death for youth of driving age, resulted in some of the recommendations in this report. The document consists of an executive summary, a preface, an explanation of the Youth Impaired…

Followed students annually from sixth through eighth grade to determine: (1) susceptibility to peer influence to misbehave, exposure to peer drinking, and alcohol overindulgence; (2) cohort and gender differences; and (3) moderating influences. Found that the exposure/overindulgence relationship varied as a function of initial susceptibility.…

Researchers responsible for"Alcohol Abuse in Urban Indian Adolescents and Women: A Longitudinal Study for Assessment and Risk Evaluation" respond to critiques of the research project. Clarifies project goals, discusses issues related to longitudinal research, and addresses concerns related to research utilization and data publication.…

Two hearings held on October 24, 1985, and April 29, 1986, produced testimony about two House bills on prevention and treatment of Indian juvenile alcoholism and drug abuse. These bills provide for (1) programs of instruction on alcohol and drug abuse in Indian schools in kindergarten through grade 12; (2) training about alcohol and drug abuse for…

Health-related disadvantages of children are discussed. Describes six steps to help children overcome these disadvantages. (BB)

Commentaries from 10 researchers concerning "Alcohol Abuse in Urban Indian Adolescents and Women: A Longitudinal Study for Assessment and Risk Evaluation" (R. Dale Walker and others). Reviewers commend the project for adding to the sparse longitudinal research on Indian peoples, while also pointing out problems and issues specific to…