Lowering the age at which youth may use beverage alcohol legally in Massachusetts and Maine has had no important effect. (MM)

Explores the extent of the relationship between onset of sexual experiences and onset of substance use in a sample of runaway youth in Alaska. Initiation of sexual activity preceded the onset of drug-taking, and intercourse prior to age 12 was reported by 40%. Implications for those providing care for this group are explored. (JPS)

Summarizes major, recent research findings concerning illegal alcohol use and intoxicated driving among American youth. Examines what research revealed about the nature of underage drinking and driving; what health, social, and legal ramifications are associated with drinking and driving; and what characteristics and behavioral patterns are found…

Examined evidence for the alleged failure of alcohol education to prevent alcohol problems among children and adolescents. Concluded that there is need for investigations of the effectiveness of alcohol education. Recommendations regarding methodological characteristics of an adequate test of effectiveness of alcohol education were presented and…

This review of the literature on adolescent drinking--an increasingly urgent problem among adolescents in the United States today--examines the patterns of alcohol use and abuse among youth. (MM)

Studied the relationship of psychosocial factors to alcohol abuse among college students (N=272). The psychosocial profile of the college student alcohol abuser was that of a male underclassman, who tends to consume beer more often and in greater quantities than nonabusers. Alcohol abusers may consume alcohol to handle adjustment problems. (JAC)

Study represents one of the first undertaken exclusively with students who brought weapons to school. Questions examined measures of student and family relationships, as well as attitudes and behavior among students caught with weapons at school. Findings support the need for substance abuse assessments and family interventions that strengthen…

Analyzes various issues about youth and alcohol. Explores some realities related to adolescent drinking including that youth drink, some drink heavily, and some will become alcoholics. Argues that services for youth that drink may actually increase drinking behavior and offers a perspective for professionals working with adolescents. (RC)

Defines problem drinking and alcoholism, and differentiates normal drinking escapes from alcohol abuse by teenagers and other youths. Suggests teenagers consume alcohol for a myriad of reasons and this behavior often leads to alcohol dependence which can cause interference in normal relationships with others. (Author)

Compared substance use perceptions and behavior using a sample of 3,009 African American youth. Overall, substance abuse is perceived as a serious problem at school. Early substance use and peer influence are major determinants of later substance use, although important differences exist in the prediction of alcohol and marijuana use. (RJM)

In pilot study, special education teachers were exposed to experiences designed to enhance their skills in adapting substance abuse prevention activities and materials for their students. Although pilot students noted an increase in their teachers' emphasis on substance abuse prevention and their criterion-related attitudes/behaviors improved…