NCJ Number
136190
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 25 Issue: 4A Dated: (1990-1991) Pages: 495-511
Date Published
1991
Length
17 pages
Annotation
To assess the risk factors in substance abuse and target those in need of drug abuse prevention, this study of Baltimore City adolescents from a low socioeconomic status compared youths with a positive family history for drug abuse (FHP) to youths who were at risk for school failure, but had a negative family history (FHN) for drug abuse.
Abstract
The 54 FHP participants were referred by social service agencies, health providers, community agencies, and school staff. The 34 FHN subjects were referred through a special alternative program combining educational and vocational classes. Participants were administered a questionnaire packet which included the 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory, and the 138-item Youth Self-Report that scores separately for boys and girls. Results indicated that FHP youth are using drugs, with the exceptions of marijuana and barbiturates, at a greater rate and starting experimentation at an earlier age than FHN youth. Though the FHP youth may be vulnerable to drug abuse because of genetic factors, environment plays a role in influencing behavior. Overall findings indicated psychological problems and behavioral disturbances for FHP youth with adolescent girls reporting significant distress because of their family histories. 4 tables, 1 graph, and 40 references