Examines the effects of variables associated with the onset of a depressive episode on a group of 942 psychoactive drug-using young adults. Finds that controls were free of depressive symptoms but that methaqualone users were more prone to a depressed mood, lower self-esteem, and negative life events than nonusers. (FMW)

Using a cohort-sequential design, identifies period, age, and class effects influencing the use of 12 different classes of drugs, both licit and illicit, by American youth aged 18 to 28 who were surveyed annually between 1976 and 1986. (Author/BJV)

Continuing surveillance of drug use among American Indian adolescents living on reservations shows them to have rates of use higher than those of their non-Indian counterparts. Marijuana use is particularly high. By the seventh grade, a significant number of youth have tried drugs. Few significant gender differences exist. (Author/BJV)

Reports racial/ethnic differences in the use of licit and illicit drugs by high school seniors in the United States. Finds relatively low levels of drug use by most non-White youth, especially Black Americans and Asian Americans. Such subgroup differences are not primarily attributable to family or regional influences. (AF)

Examination of data from a national survey reveals that the odds of ever smoking are not higher for blacks than for whites. The odds of heavy smoking for blacks are far less than for whites. Blacks are significantly less likely to quit smoking than whites, regardless of socioeconomic or demographic factors. (Author/BJV)

Considers the similarities between current drug abuse trends and epidemics of infectious diseases. Briefly reviews significant findings from drug abuse research reported in the same journal issue. (GC)

Concurrent and longitudinal associations between risk factors and substance use for a sample of high school students were examined. Ten risk factors assessing important personal and social areas of life were defined. Among the findings was that the number of different risk factors was predictive of increases in use of all types of substances.…

Drug use was investigated in a follow-up cohort of former adolescents representative of high school students in New York State who were interviewed nine years later at ages 24-25. A typical progression from one type of drug to another was established, but this does not necessarily imply causal relationships between different drugs. (KH)

The period of major risk for initiation to cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana is completed mostly by age 20, and to illicit drugs other than cocaine by age 21. Overall patterns are similar for both sexes, with men initiating all drugs (except prescribed psychoactives) at higher rates than women. (Author/GC)

A cohort of former New York State adolescents were reinterviewed nine years after an initial survey. Drug use predictions, it was found, can be based on age effects and prior types of drug use; marijuana use, for example, is necessary for progression to other illicit drugs. (KH)

Data collected in 1988 from 113 incarcerated youth and 802 San Francisco high school students demonstrated that both groups are knowledgeable about AIDS. Youth in prison were less aware of risk-reduction measures and reported higher HIV risk behaviors, and should therefore be a primary target for prevention programs. (DM)

Analyzes the variation in prevalence rates of various substances in terms of age, year, and class effects. Interprets data provided by the Monitoring the Future Project, an ongoing survey of nationally representative high school senior classes. (KH)

Examines the relationship between adolescent drug use and suicide ideation and suicidal behavior for 3,064 high school students, who were respondents to the North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Drug use, particularly of crack cocaine, is related to increased suicide ideation and suicidal behavior in this group. (SLD)

Controversy over attempts to establish a needle and syringe exchange scheme in New York City (1985 to 1991) as an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention measure are described. These efforts highlight several political and social pitfalls in AIDS prevention. (SLD)

Studies the association between the severity of early female antisocial behavior (drug-related and non-drug-related offenses) and the later behavioral and emotional health of the children of these women, using a secondary analysis of National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data for 688 whites, 481 Hispanic Americans, and 256 African Americans. (RLC)