Adolescent Social Drug Use: School Prevention Program (From Drug Abuse, P 267-278, 1987, Raymond J Reitz, ed. -- See NCJ-127612)

• NCJ Number: 127623
• Author(s): H H Severson
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from School Psychology Review, V 14, N 4 (1984), P 150-161

Annotation

Adolescent use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and chewing tobacco is examined in terms of its nature, health risks, and peer influences and their implications for prevention and treatment programs.

Abstract

The use of these drugs is considered social drug use, because they are socially acceptable while having addictive properties and the potential for causing serious health problems with continued use or abuse. Alcohol is the most popular social drug, with 49 percent of high school seniors reporting having at least one drink in the past week and 6 percent reporting daily drinking. A review of school prevention programs shows that adolescent use and abuse of these drugs can be affected; empirically assessed smoking prevention programs can provide a model for school interventions. Prevention programs that have social skills training as a central component appear effective in reducing the use of these drugs. The school psychologist can be involved in school prevention efforts by facilitating school prevention programs, by referrals to other professionals, treatment, and by getting parents involved in prevention. 73 references