Surveyed 212 parent-adolescent pairs to examine their perceptions of adolescent drug use. Compared to adolescents, parents were more likely to list reasons for drug use with negative connotations. Parents underestimated use of alcohol and marijuana and frequency with which teenagers' friends became drunk or high relative to adolescents' estimates.…

Surveys of students representing diverse college campuses investigated differences between self-reported alcohol and drug-use frequency and perceptions of the frequency of use in relation to average students. Respondents typically misperceived peer norms, substantially overestimating how often students used substances, both on campuses where…

Discusses the problem of alcohol abuse on college campuses and notes a current project of the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse to identify effective programs. Urges institutions to recognize the difficulty of changing the alcohol-reliant culture on most campuses and to examine ways in which the institution actually fosters this…

Data from the Mexican American Prevalence and Services Survey were used to compare mental health and behavioral sequela of heavy drinking in adolescence among Mexican Americans aged 18-59. Adolescent heavy drinkers had higher lifetime mood or drug dependence disorders and higher rates of suicide attempts and behavior problems than abstainers or…

Tests the hypothesis that poor perceived cognitive competence might signal an increased risk of alcohol-related problems in children (N=1,232). Results indicate that having depressive symptoms is associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol-related problems while perceived cognitive competence is not. Evidence suggests a possible…

Investigates changes in psychological functioning as a result of participation in Alternative Community Intervention, a community-based drug and alcohol prevention program for at-risk children (N=23). Results show that socioeconomic status and grades were associated with significant change after the program. Socioeconomic status and fair grades…

Used structural equation modeling to examine factor structure and predictive validity of the Disinhibition subscale of the Sensation Seeking Scales (DIS) with drinking in 1,217 undergraduates. A three-factor model provided the best fit; prediction of drinking varied with intrinsic levels of alcohol relatedness. The relationship between…

Examines predictors of long-term smoking persistence for substance-abusing adolescents (N=125). Results indicate that the age of initial cigarette use and extent of smoking at the time of treatment predicts late adolescent/early adult smoking for males but not for females. Findings highlight importance of smoking intervention for adolescent…

A cross-sectional probability survey of Ontario students (N=3,870) in grades 7, 9, 11, and 13 examined the prevalence of alcohol and drug problems and the proportion of those with problems who receive treatment or report a need for treatment. Findings indicated serious problems resulting from alcohol or drugs. Discusses implications for preventing…

Describes an instrument that identifies the risk of late-onset (reactive) alcoholism and the presence of unresolved loss-grief issues. Instrument was tested on 96 adults aged 60 and over. Found an interrelationship between unresolved loss-grief issues and depression. Rates the likelihood that these conditions may lead to alcoholism. (EMK)

Examines the incidence of psychopathy among an alcoholic-offender population (N=128) and compares psychopathic and non-psychopathic alcoholics in relation to childhood history, demographics, alcohol dependence, violence, and suicide. Results indicate that 20% of offenders could be classified as psychopaths. These persons were more alcohol…

Adolescents (N=506) in a northeastern metropolitan area were surveyed to test hypotheses that family factors, particularly parental support and monitoring, influence individual trajectories in development of alcohol misuse. Results showed that parenting significantly predicts adolescents' initial drinking levels as well as rates of increase in…

The authors discuss risk factors for late life alcohol abuse and characteristics that differentiate early- and late-onset abusers. Problems in identification, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of older abusers are reviewed. A case example illustrates the dynamics of effective treatment with this population. (Contains 55 references.) (Author)

Examines the relationship between sexual risk-taking and alcohol use. Results indicate that individuals reporting an increase in risky behaviors had greater alcohol involvement as demonstrated by an increased number of days drinking, a larger typical amount consumed, and greater number of binge drinking days. Findings suggest the need for a model…

Although zero tolerance policies are being enacted on campuses nationwide, they may not be the most effective means of creating safer and healthier environments for students. Many historical precedents illustrate the value of moderation over prohibition. College drug and alcohol policies should focus primarily on dysfunctional and disruptive…