Family-Oriented Interventions for the Prevention of Chemical Dependency in Children and Adolescents (From Childhood and Chemical Abuse: Prevention and Intervention, P 117-151, 1986, Stephanie Griswold-Ezekoye, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-110667)

• NCJ Number: 110671
• Author(s): J DeMarsh; K L Kumpfer
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 35 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA02758-01/02; DA03888-01
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses family-oriented interventions in strategies for prevention of chemical dependency in children and adolescents.

Abstract

The authors argue that parents and families are a valuable resource for increasing the effectiveness of substance abuse-prevention programs for youth and adolescents. It is hypothesized that prevention interventions aimed at strengthening the family's role in socializing the child will decrease adolescent substance abuse. General evidence demonstrating the value of including families in prevention activities, and currently available family-oriented programs are discussed. Research indicates that although most prevention interventions have been developed for use in community or school-based programs, a growing number of family-oriented interventions have been developed specifically as substance abuse-prevention programs. These include behavioral management techniques for decreasing inappropriate behaviors in children and increasing positive parental interactions, school performance, self-esteem, family communication and problemsolving. Further investigations using these techniques are recommended because of their demonstrated effectiveness in other contexts and cost-effectiveness as prevention programs.