The age at which young people expected the initiation of certain sexual practices was studied with 522 15- and 16-year olds. There was progression in modal ages indicated from least intimate to more intimate behaviors. There was also a strong relationship between sexual timetables and timetables for autonomy and use of drugs such as alcohol. (SLD)

The "stepping-stone" theory of progression into drug use is examined, based on the alcohol and other drug use of over 27,000 seventh- through eighth-grade students in New York State. The data show that students do not use illicit drugs unless they also use alcohol. (Author/LMO)

This study examined the relative influence of changes in orientations toward peers and parents on the drug-use patterns of a panel of rural youths. Data analysis revealed that after three years there was greater distance between youths and their parents on the subject of drugs. (Author/LMO)

Whether there are themes underlying adolescent drug use, and whether these themes are related to age, sex, or type of drug use was studied with 2,637 6th through 12th graders in Oklahoma. Age, gender, and user differences were identified as reasons adolescents use drugs. (SLD)

Interpersonal and intrapersonal risk for substance use were investigated for 1,170 Caucasian and Hispanic American sixth and seventh graders, equally divided by gender. Mean use levels did not differ for ethnic groups. Across both gender and ethnicity, susceptibility to peer pressure and peer alcohol use were the best predictors of substance use.…