NCJ Number
136921
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume: 12 Dated: (1991) Pages: 606-613
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study explores causal theories of adolescent alcohol and drug use, characteristics of the at-risk population, and issues regarding assessment and treatment. The subcontext of the study is comprised of the associations between adolescent drug use, AIDS, violence, and sex.
Abstract
Although the rate of drug use for most psychotropic substances has declined over the past 2 decades, the prevalence of drug use among adolescents continues to be a serious problem. Furthermore, there has been little change in the reported use of alcohol among teenagers. Drug and alcohol abuse are a major factor in the deterioration of the health status of this population due to accidents, homicide, and suicide. Some of the theories of drug use causation in adolescents focus on problem behavior, social learning, biopsychosocial, and social stress models. A number of genetic and family factors put youth in high-risk categories as do peer-related, psychological, biological, environmental, and demographic factors. The author notes the need for a more clearly defined role of health care providers in the prevention, early identification, and treatment of adolescents who abuse alcohol and other drugs. 84 references