An examination of personality development points the way toward prevention strategies which respond to social and emotional needs of young alcohol abusers. Prevention programs which utilize these strategies have begun to operate. There is a critical need for more programs, particularly in the area of early parent education. (Author)

Examined stability of adolescent drug use into young adulthood and explored influence of personality on adolescent and adult drug use. Participants (n=640) in longitudinal study completed questionnaires assessing tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and hard drug use. General drug use factor in adolescence significantly predicted young adult drug use.…

Examined the role of difficult temperament or behavioral style and tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use in the 133 subjects of the New York Longitudinal Study. Results indicated that the possession of difficult temperamental characteristics at age five and in early adulthood are associated with drug use in young adulthood. (JAC)

Compared the alcohol-related attitudes and stereotypes of 677 Papua New Guinea high school youth, 315 Australian, and 166 American students. While the overwhelming majority of Australian and American students had drunk alcohol, the majority of Papua New Guinean young people had not. (JAC)

As the adolescent matures, drinking situations occur outside of the home with friends. This period is characterized by drinking habits, patterns, and attitudes which are different from those of the parent population; the peer group and situational factors are significant influences on drinking behavior during this phase. (Author)