Journal of Drug Education: Substance Use Research and Prevention

Previous statistical comparisons of two models for adolescent drug abuse are reexamined using new statistical estimation methods in causal modeling not requiring assumptions about normally distributed variables. Browne's asymptotically distribution free method shows that the models fit even better than assumed in the initial work, and that comparable inferences would be drawn about the significance of individual parameters and model comparisons when the assumption that the data are distributed in a multivariate normal manner is relaxed.

This study investigates ethnic differences (white vs. non-white) in a sample of 121 analgesic drug related deaths. Initial data on deaths with toxicological findings of propoxyphene (Darvon) and/or codeine involvement were obtained from the files of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Interviews were conducted with surviving family members, friends, and attending physicians. The findings indicate greater codeine involvement for nonwhites and greater propoxyphene involvement for whites; a higher incidence of illicit drug abuse among nonwhites, with Caucasians more likely to have abused medically prescribed drugs; a higher incidence of alcohol related problems for nonwhites; and greater indications of psychological and social distress prior to death among the Caucasian subsample. Informants for the Caucasian group indicate a relatively greater awareness of the decedent's use of analgesic drugs prior to death. The use of analgesic drugs was also more likely to have been a sufficient or major cause of death within the Caucasian subsample.

A five-year study of prime-time television programs showed that alcohol was the preferred beverage used by characters. In the final years viewers were exposed to more than eight alcohol drinking acts per hour. The rate of this activity was rising. In comparison, use of coffee, tea, soft drinks and water was less frequent, although the rates were also rising. All kinds of characters were seen drinking, with one major exception: youth. Consequences of alcohol abuse, and the response of other people to such abuse, were not always shown. Several qualitative patterns in the drinking process were noted as subject to change when television personnel are shown the research results.

Adolescents surveyed 100 nondrinking peers directly in their communities utilizing a 13-item, structured, behavior analysis questionnaire designed to assess the influence of models, self-control, and reinforcement on learning not to drink. Results suggest that parents and other adults who did not drink had a strong influence on these youth. Several effective modes of self-control were discovered and these 100 teenagers revealed assertiveness skills in saying “no” to peer pressures to drink. In addition, self-reinforcement (being proud) seemed to play a role. Results are compared to those in two previous studies of adolescents who were drinkers. The possible utilization of nondrinking, non-drug taking adolescents as “teachers” in drug education and prevention programs is discussed.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between anomie theory, as measured by Srole's Anomie Scale, and the respondents self-admitted drug use (alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, amphetamines, and barbiturates). An analysis of self-reported drug use data was conducted of a general Texas adult population. This analysis included a series of bivariate cross comparison correlations between the independent variable (anomie) and the dependent drug variables. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables were further examined by calculating the correlation and level of significance within selected categories of several demographic (age, race, sex, education, income, and marital status) control variables. The results indicated that anomie was significantly correlated with several of the drug variables. However, these associations were extremely weak and of little explanatory value. It was concluded that, within the framework of this analysis, anomie theory fails to provide an adequate explanation for the use of drugs.

A methodology was devised for the construction of instruments to measure inmates' drug use, knowledge, and attitudes. A drug use inventory and a drug attitude scale were examined for construct validity, whereas a drug knowledge test was examined for content validity. In regard to reliability, each measurement tool was subjected to item analysis for internal consistency. Investigators obtained necessary data from 150 inmates at two county correctional institutions. Factors considered during instrumentation were subjects' reading and comprehension levels, drug experiences, and willingness to participate in data collection. Implications and suggestions are discussed concerning the use of such instruments in inmate drug education.

This study evaluated, through a state training network the Communication and Parenting Skills (CAPS) substance abuse education program. The program includes: 1) parental modeling of positive attitudes and behaviors and 2) effective communication. Ten instructors, located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, each conducted two CAPS courses — one serving as an experimental course, the other as a control.

The procedure followed for this project was a post-test only design. Comparative data revealed that the marital status and years in present residence for the two groups were very similar. The control group averaged one-half year more of education and one-half child less per family. Results from the Sensitivity to Children Index indicated a significant acquisition and utilization of constructive responses by participants in the experimental condition.

The best descriptor of the drug abuse problem in the military is adolescent misbehavior. Data from a survey of military personnel reveal that single, enlisted males under twenty-five are the population most at risk. Although the use of heroin was widely publicized a decade ago, alcohol and cannabis are now the most common substances of abuse. While some work impairment and dependence are reported, these are not characteristic of the drug abuse problem in the military. Programs to decrease the prevalence of drug abuse in the Defense Department are described.

The purpose of this study was to discover factors which would help dentists understand the psychology of smoking in some of their patients. Fifty-seven dental patients (thirty-seven men and twenty women) ages nineteen to twenty-five voluntarily attended two free five-day quit smoking clinics. Subjects were given the Horn Smoker's Self-Test which elicits information on six key factors relating to the psychological satisfactions derived from smoking: stimulation, handling, pleasurable relaxation, crutch, craving and habit.

The three most important sources of perceived satisfactions for cigarette smokers were craving (77.1%), crutch (tension-reduction, 70.1%) and pleasurable relaxation (59.6%). Women tended to smoke more for tension reduction than men (85% to 62%, respectively) and slightly more for relaxation (65% to 56%). Most smokers reported a combination of the three main factors. In this study, smokers who were attracted to a quit-clinic were generally categorized as hardcore, negative affect types who may need maximal intervention programs and strategies.