NCJ Number
139682
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 223-240
Date Published
1992
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A self-report methodology was used to explore the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders in a sample of 826 adolescent females.
Abstract
The frequency of alcohol use was correlated across all grade levels with an Eating Disorders Risk (EDR) Scale. Correlations between frequency of lifetime alcohol use and the EDR were weak, but they were consistent and in the predicted direction. The association was not as consistent as that found with alcohol. Suicidal thoughts was the only other form of deviance that was consistently related to eating disorders across all grade levels. Clear evidence emerged that family variables were correlated with the risk of eating disorders scale, but the perception of what one's friends are doing exerted a more pervasive role. Friends' alcohol and drug use was more likely correlated with the EDR across grades. Those young women at greatest risk of eating disorders were depressed, considering suicide, and likely to be involved with friends who use drugs and alcohol. The data reinforce the importance of preventive drug abuse programs. 7 tables and 27 references