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Factors Related to Youths' Perception of Needing Help for an Alcohol or Drug Problem

NCJ Number
119138
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 38-47
Author(s)
B Lorch; R L Dukes
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
In this study of junior and high school students, a high percentage of heavy substance users deny having a substance abuse problem.
Abstract
Several factors can act as a catalyst when combined with heavy substance use and are significantly related to youths' perception of needing help in controlling alcohol or drug use. These factors include experiencing serious physiological effects of the drug, psychological and other serious personal problems, and having an alcoholic in one's family. Sociocultural variables related to the recognition and labeling of mental and emotional problems among adults were not relevant to adolescents in this study. 3 tables and 24 references. (Author abstract modified)