A multimedia campaign led to a 62 percent increase in number of people who called for information about how to aid abused/neglected children in one U.S. community. Analysis suggested that such campaigns should focus on helping actions rather than the problem, should use client-based market research, and should rely on public-private-nonprofit…

Conducted follow-up study of 13 dually diagnosed adolescents (original sample N=100), 22% of whom were estimated to be chemical free. Sample reported improvement on 21 of 29 program goals. Improvement was reported in chemical dependency, coping skills, relations with parents, dealing with reality, avoiding addictive people, problem solving,…

Surveyed 97 adults self-identified as coming from dysfunctional families. Although level of family dysfunction was generally high, no significant differences were observed between adult children of alcoholics and adults from families whose dysfunction was not due to substance abuse. Degree of family dysfunction was significantly associated with…

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…

The Doubles, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is a seven-episode series of media tools designed to teach third and fourth grade students about the science of drug addiction. The program's curriculum is delivered via a set of videos, interactive CD-ROMs, workbooks, or an Internet site. This article examines the process used to…

The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA-2000) allows qualified physicians to treat opioid-dependent patients with schedule III-V medications, such as buprenorphine, in practices separate from licensed, accredited opioid treatment programs. Physicians may attain this qualification by completing 8-hours of training in treating opioid…

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 bulletin is adapted from the second panel of three at a Manhattan Institute conference. The focus of this paper is on the explosion of prison population and the inevitability of people reentering society from prison. Clarence Page believes this has a particularly brutal impact on the African-American community, and raises questions about how…

Marijuana-dependent young adults (N = 136), all referred by the criminal justice system, were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment conditions: a motivational/skills-building intervention (motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive-behavioral therapy; MET/CBT) plus incentives contingent on session attendance or submission of marijuana-free urine…

The 43 million Americans with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in the United States. While their special abilities may vary considerably, these Americans share an increased risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. This study concentrates on the deaf community and the general lack of awareness of the problem of substance abuse within…

This handbook provides renters, homeowners, teachers, parents, and workers with tools for ridding their communities of illegal drugs. The booklet describes relevant anti-drug laws, and provides examples of how they are being used successfully in one state. The case studies cited almost always involve individuals and community groups working…

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…