Background: Synthetic and other drugs have become available to teens, yet little is known about risk factors of use. Objective: To examine adolescent use of one class of synthetic drugs and its association with perceptions about its prevalence, access, and risk of substance use. Methods: Adolescents from a convenience sample of 104 middle and high…

This study examined posttreatment patterns of polysubstance use and heroin relapse in a sample of 43 adolescents (ages 14-20) entering short-term residential treatment for primary heroin use. At 12-month follow-up, youths that achieved heroin abstinence (N = 19) were significantly less likely than youths that relapsed to heroin (N = 24) to endorse…

This study examines program elements related to reductions in drug use and crime among Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) participants as well as theoretical mechanisms--increased social controls and improved perceptions of procedural justice--expected to mediate the effects of DTC on these outcomes. Data are from 157 research participants interviewed…

Periodically, Maryland's sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders are surveyed to determine the nature, extent, and trend of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among adolescents. The "2007 Maryland Adolescent Survey (MAS)" presents the latest findings regarding ATOD use by Maryland's adolescents and compares State and local…

This report compares current trends in national and Maryland drug abuse rates; reviews social and psychological factors associated with drug abuse; describes the physiological effects of frequently abused substances; reviews the State's drug and alcohol enforcement programs targeted to adolescents; and outlines Maryland's prevention and treatment…

Recognizing that a solid pre-trial drug intervention program is a vital first step in educating first-time offenders about the seriousness of drug abuse and criminal behavior, staff at the Intervention Program for Substance Abusers in Montgomery County, Maryland's Department of Correction and Rehabilitation decided that better strategies were…

This report helps state and local decision makers understand the range of services ordinarily needed and provided in alcohol and drug treatment programs serving women and families receiving welfare and how those services support the goals of welfare reform. The model programs profiled here tend to the needs of women on welfare and their families…

These guidelines present standards for administering medication in Maryland schools, both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. In general, medication during school hours is discouraged unless necessary. The guidelines recommend that, whenever possible, children administer their own medication under appropriate supervision. Specifically,…

Results of a survey of White (N=1,100) and Black (N=396) middle-class suburban high school students indicate meaningful differences in drug and alcohol sources of information. While both groups rated mass media as their best source of information, Black students more frequently cited family as a source of information and assistance. (IAH)

This is a statement of policy on illicit drugs and alcohol for Saint John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, to be distributed to students and employees. Initially the terms individual, student, employee, and illicit drug are formally defined. The section on alcoholic beverages lists ten policies regarding individual conduct and possession by…

A comprehensive guide to parenting resources in Montgomery County (Maryland), this publication is divided into four chapters. "Getting More Involved with Your Child" focuses on communication, inexpensive ways to have fun, parent involvement techniques, and suggested party tips with information about the legal consequences of serving…

Developed for use in high school driver education programs in Frederick County, Maryland, this curriculum guide contains five units for classroom instruction, along with a unit for range driving instruction and one for road driving experience. The five classroom units cover the following topics: preparing to drive, driving skills, the effects of…

In this paper, the author analyzes the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program and reveals the inherent flaws of what he calls "symbolic pork." The program is popular because it addresses subjects about which the public is deeply concerned: school safety and substance abuse. He notes that since 1986 the program has received…

Designed for middle school through high school students, this unit contains eight lesson plans that focus on Maryland state law. The state lessons correspond to lessons in the volume, "Antidote: Civic Responsibility. Drug Avoidance Lessons for Middle School & High School Students." Developed to be presented by educators, law student,…

A comprehensive guide to parenting resources in Montgomery County (Maryland), this publication is divided into four chapters. "Getting more involved with your child" focuses on communication, inexpensive ways to have fun, parent involvement techniques, and suggested party tips with information about the legal consequences of serving…