Previous research has shown that parents underestimate their children's substance use. The aim of the present work was to analyze parental estimation of their children's use of alcohol in five countries from northern, central, and southern Europe, and to explore the variables that influenced this perceptual bias. The sample comprised 1,181…

Attempts to show if there is any interaction between adolescents' alcohol use and sexuality/contraception and if alcohol use effects the onset age of sexual activity or choice of contraception. Presents a descriptive study of young women as they used or did not use alcohol and engaged in sexual activity for the first time. (ABB)

This report provides a summary of drug use trends from a survey of nearly 50,000 eighth-, tenth-, and twelfth- grade students nationwide. It also includes perceived risk, personal disapproval, and perceived availability of each drug by this group. A synopsis of the methods used in the study and an overview of the key results from the 2006 survey…

Describes the socio-cultural factors related to alcohol and drug use behavior among young blacks (N=1095) in a large urban community. Suggests that early drinking experiences and peer influences may be important links that will lead to later problems. Indicates a need for alcohol education as a means of intervention. (ABB)

Knowledge about cocaine's effect on the human mind and body is limited and not clearly documented. This article discusses various biological and psychological effects of the drug based on clinical and laboratory studies of man. (Author/DF)

This study determined how adverse childhood experiences influenced risky sexual behavior in a community sample of Latina adolescents in Los Angeles. Psychosocial, sociocultural, and environmental mediators of the relations between childhood experiences and risky sexual behavior were tested. Childhood maltreatment was associated with risky sexual…

Medical students (N=341) completed questionnaire on drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and involvement in sensation-seeking sports and activities. Results indicated minimal tobacco use, moderately low drug use, and extensive alcohol use. Increased alcohol use was strongly correlated with heavy drinking patterns in parents and male students while…

Discusses the wave of cocaine abuse that followed the drug's recommendation by the late nineteenth-century medical community as a cure all. Details drug addiction among ethnic and social groups at the turn of the century. Warns that drug epidemics have important social and legal consequences. Suggests legal pressure may alter the form of drug…

This report summarizes a national survey of drug use and related attitudes among American college students and young adults. Its data were derived from an ongoing national research and reporting program. The surveys address two major purposes: (1) to serve a social monitoring function so as to characterize trends in certain behaviors in the…

This research monograph, written for community officials and planners of drug abuse prevention programs, presents straight line projections on the possible extent and kinds of nonmedical drug use for young adults (18-25 years old) that can be expected in the future. Projections are made based on current young adult drug abuse and population…

The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) has shown that the rate of marijuana use among youth has more than doubled since 1992. Similar trends are noted across all subgroups studied. At the same time, the percentage of teens perceiving a "great risk" from smoking marijuana has declined. Negative effects of marijuana use are…

In the spring of 1987, a survey was conducted of 2,700 seniors in 37 overseas schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) system, replicating an earlier 1982 survey. Both matched a parallel series of domestic national surveys in the ongoing Monitoring the Future study. This report presents the findings on the prevalence of drug…

Drinking patterns and alcohol-related problems were studied in 164 Anglo and 149 Mexican-American male regular drinkers. A combination of acculturation and generational status measures indicated the heaviest drinking patterns and the highest prevalence of both alcohol-related problems and escape drinking motives among the least acculturated…

This report summarizes a national survey of drug use and related attitudes among American secondary school students. All of its data came from an ongoing national research and reporting program entitled, "Monitoring the Future: A Continuing Study of the Lifestyles and Values of Youth." These surveys address two major topics: (1) the…

Explored the influence of demographic, sociocultural, and risk proneness indicators on age at first intercourse, number of lifetime sexual partners, and number of pregnancies among Latina adolescents. Found gender role orientation delays first intercourse, but following that, acculturation and substance experimentation are more important…