NCJ Number
167166
Editor(s)
P A Winters
Date Published
1997
Length
170 pages
Annotation
Identifying the causes of teenage substance use and dependence plays an important role in preventing addiction among teenagers.
Abstract
Health experts agree there are many overlapping causes of teenage substance use, ranging from underestimation of risk by young people to the influence of parents and other adults. Proposed solutions also run the gamut from public health campaigns and educational programs to 12-step programs to drug testing of children by parents. The book organizes opposing viewpoints on causes of and solutions to teenage substance use and dependence according to four chapters: (1) causes of teenage addiction--peer pressure, underestimation of risk, advertising, lack of education on how to resist drugs, parental behavior, emulation of rock musicians, and excitement and escape; (2) teenage substance use as a serious problem; (3) teenage substance use prevention--communication between parents and children, drug abuse education, drug testing, and 12-step programs; and (4) regulation of tobacco marketing to prevent teenage addiction to cigarettes. References